Gandamadana Parvatham (Ramar Paadham), Rameshwaram

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.