Gandamadana Parvatham (Ramar Paadham), Rameshwaram
Gandamadana
Parvatham is the tallest peak on Pamban
Island which lies in
the Palk Strait between mainland India and Sri Lanka.
Gandhamadhana Parvatam is located towards the north-west of Rameshwaram and is
famous for its beautiful sunrise and sunset. It is a holy place for the
pilgrims, who come to worship Lord Rama’s footprints, which can be seen within
the premises of the shrine. The double storied Mandapam of the Ramjharoka
Temple on this hillock houses the footprints of Lord Rama on the Chakra.
Location
Gandhamadhana
is located 3 kilometres from Rameswaram, almost midway between the western edge of the island
and the ghost-town of Dhanushkodi at the corner of the eastern promontory.
History
Mt.
Gandhamadhana is believed to be the hillock from whose summit; the Hindu
god Hanuman commenced his flight to Ravana's Lanka. Kalidasa [Kumarasambhava, VI] refers to Gandhamadhana,
in the vicinity of the mythical city of Osadhiprastha in Himalaya Mountain,
having Santanaka trees.
Nath Tradition holds that Parashurama, after enacting
his vengeance, sought out Dattatreya atop Mount Gandhamadana for spiritual guidance.
Their conversations gave rise to Tripura
Rahasya, a treatise on Advaita
Vedanta. It was here the deity instructed the warrior-sage on knowledge of
scripture, renunciation of worldly activities, and non-duality, thus freeing
Parashurama from the cycle of death and rebirth.
Attractions
The
Gandamadana Parvatam is situated at a distance of 3 kilometers to the north of
the temple of Rameshwaram. The Gandamadana Parvatam is a hill and is the
highest spot in the island of Rameshwaram. On the Gandamadana Parvatam, there
is a two-storeyed Mandapam. In this Mandapam, Lord Rama’s feet or Padam is
found as an impression on a chakra. Every year thousands of pilgrims gather in
the island of Rameswaram to worship the Gandamadana Parvatam.
If you
reach here, you will find the magnificent views of the landscape along the
coast. The devotees come here during early mornings and evenings. If you are
interested in cycling, this is an interesting cycle ride through the villages
and you will enjoy all the way to the top.
Gandamadana
Parvatham also known as Rama Foot or Ramar Patham. It is also believed that
Rama stood on this point to search the whereabouts of Sita, while she was
captured by Ravana. Apart from this place, pilgrims visiting the
Gandamadana Parvatham can also visit Sukreeva Temple and Satchi Hanuman Temples
on the way.
This
place remains open all days of week at 7:00 AM - 1:00
PM and 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM and entry fee is free. Tourists
can hire taxi or take a tourist coach from the nearest city of Rameshwaram
& Madurai to reach this point.
