Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu
Ramsetu
Complete Information Dhanushkodi is a place of historical and religious importance located in the state of Tamil Nadu. This place is located at the tip of Rameswaram Island and is associated with Hindu scriptures. This place is located at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean and is also a major tourist destination due to its religious, historical and natural importance.
When Ram setu was built
1. Religious Importance Dhanushkodi is mentioned in the Ramayana. According to mythology, Lord Shri Ram built Ram Setu with his monkey army to go to Lanka (Sri Lanka) from here. Shri Ram along with his army set out from here to Lanka to conquer Ravana. Dhanushkodi means “end of the bow”, which, according to the legend of Ramayana, is associated with the bow of Lord Shri Ram.
2. History Dhanushkodi was once a thriving town, with a railway station, school, post office and other facilities. But a terrible cyclone in 1964 destroyed this town. After this natural disaster, it came to be known as a “ghost town”, because after the cyclone the population here almost ended. Even today the ruins of the buildings destroyed by the cyclone can be seen here.
3. Geography Dhanushkodi is located on the south-eastern tip of India. The distance from here to Sri Lanka is about 31 kilometres. The climate of Dhanushkodi is tropical and the land here is quite sandy and flat. This place is located on the seashore, where tourists can see the amazing view of the ocean.
4. Tourism There are many attractive places to visit in Dhanushkodi
Ram Setu
This ancient bridge is associated with Ramayana and devotees come here to see it.
Dhanushkodi Beach
It is a calm and beautiful beach where tourists enjoy the natural beauty.
Dhanushkodi Temple
It is an ancient temple associated with Shri Ram.
Dhanushkodi Railway Station
The ruins of the old railway station are worth seeing, which tell the story of the prosperity and destruction of this region.
5. How to reach?
By Road
Dhanushkodi can be reached from Rameswaram by road. The distance from Rameswaram to Dhanushkodi is about 20 km.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Rameswaram, which is connected to various parts of Tamil Nadu.
By Air
The nearest airport is Madurai, which is about 170 km away.
6. Things to keep in mind Dhanushkodi is currently sparsely populated and has limited facilities. The sea waves here are quite strong, so it is important to take care of safety. This place is very important religiously and historically, so devotees and tourists come here to experience peace and spirituality.
7. Future of Dhanushkodi The government has made plans to promote tourism in this area, due to which more development can be seen here in the coming time. From a tourism point of view, its religious and natural features attract people.
When was Ram Setu called Adams Bridge?
European Exploration (19th Century)
The Ram Setu was described in European maps and surveys during British colonial rule. For example, James Rennell, a British geographer, and explorer, included it in his 1788 map of India. By this time, it was already known as Adam’s Bridge based on the Islamic legend that it was the path taken by Adam when he was cast out of paradise.
Controversy
Protection of Ram Setu vs. development projects Ram Setu has been a matter of controversy in Indian politics many times. Some political parties consider it a religious heritage and demand its protection, while other parties try to push the Sethusamudram project in the name of development. This issue arises especially during elections, where religious and development agendas come face to face.
Religious tourism vs protected areas
Dhanushkodi being a religious and historical site, attracts a lot of pilgrims. But at the same time, the area is also environmentally sensitive. Tourism is putting pressure on the ecology and natural resources, and the government faces challenges in maintaining this balance. Some organizations believe that excessive tourism can harm the environment, while others see it as development.
The question of post-cyclone rehabilitation and development
After the 1964 cyclone, a controversy arose over the rehabilitation of Dhanushkodi. The government declared it an “unsuitable area”, but some people believe that the place should be redeveloped and rehabilitated. Although some local fisherman families still live here, no concrete steps have been taken to bring about sustainable development and rehabilitation in the area, leading to controversy.
Conclusion
Dhanushkodi is a wonderful place, where history, mythology and natural beauty meet. If you are fond of religious and historical places, then Dhanushkodi must be included in your travel list.
