Pilgrimage of Tamil Nadu & Kerala

Category :- All India Travel Tourism > States > Pilgrimage > Tamil Nadu & Kerala

TAMIL NADU
Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram is one of the holiest towns for Hindus. It is associated with the epic Ramayana. It was here that Lord Rama offered thanks to Lord Shiva. This pilgrimage center is known for its temple corridor, which is the longest in India. The other attractions of this place are Bathing ghat, Kothanda Ramar Temple and other nearby islands-abundant with coral reefs and other marine wonders.

How to reach: Rameshwaram is on an island in the Gulf of Mannar connected to the mainland at Mandapam by rail, and by one of India's engineering wonders, the Indira Gandhi bridge.

KERALA
Sabrimala
Sabrimala Ayyappa is the men only pilgrimage. Women between the age of 9 and 50 are not allowed here. This place is associated with churning of the sea to get amrit or the nectar. The churning of the sea resulted in many things - poison which was instantly swallowed by Lord Shiva, Kamdhenu or the divine cow and the Kalpavriksha or the wish-granting tree. Lord Vishnu turned into a beautiful women called Mohini, so that nectar is consumed by the devas alone. Danavas were attracted to Mohini and so was Lord Shiva. The child born out of the Union of Mohini and Lord Shiva was Ayyappa. The childless Pandayan King adopted him.

Soon the Queen had a son and resisted Ayyappa from being the king so she sent him to get tigress milk to cure her from her ailment. The Lord returned safely and an adobe atop Sabrimala was year marked. Pilgrims here take 48kms trek through rivers, valleys and forest to offer coconut(body) and ghee(soul) to the Lord. The pilgrims walk two days intensely. Their yells wali, wali, kodu fills the atmosphere and recharge the devout.

How to reach: The nearest railhead is Kottayam in Kerala.