("Lord
Rama") In the Palk Strait, which separates Sri Lanka from the mainland,
there is a sacred shrine (tirtha) on an island off the coast of the state of
Tamil Nadu.
Rameshvaram is one of India's most important holy locations
for a variety of reasons.
It is one of the four dhams connected with the philosopher
Shankaracharya, and it marks the subcontinent's geographical limits.
It also has legendary overtones that make it sacred to Shiva
and Vishnu worshippers (bhakta), two of the most significant Hindu deities.
The pillar-shaped picture (linga) of Shiva there represents
the deity in his appearance as Rameshvar ("Rama's Lord") to Shiva's
followers.
This picture is also one of the jyotirlingas, a network of
twelve lingas said to be very sacred and strong, and where Shiva is claimed to
be present in a specific way.
Rameshvaram is believed by Vishnu devotees to be the
location where the deity Rama launched his onslaught on the demon kingdom of
Lanka.
The figure of Rameshvaram was dedicated in appreciation for
Rama's success when he returned with his rescued wife Sita, according to
legend.
Rameshvaram has long had ties to the ancient city of
Benares, and pilgrims still go there carrying Ganges water to present to Shiva.
