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Ram Setu Bridge
There are geographically rich locations and historically rich ones. But very rarely, there can be locations that are rich in both. What makes this location special is the touch of mythology and religion. Now, that sounds quite intriguing already. Let me share the name of this fantastic spot, then. It is the Ram Setu Bridge that grabs the attention of many tourists.
As picturesque as the location can be, the area also holds much religious, historical, and cultural significance. Moreover, the formation of this site dates back thousands of years. Yes, and a relationship with Lord Rama further makes it an exciting place to visit. Read this article to learn about the location. Here, I will provide everything you need about Ram Setu. You will likely find this article helpful. After reading this article, you will feel intrigued to visit this location.
Where is Ram Setu Bridge?
Ram Setu Bridge connects India and Sri Lanka. It starts in Dhanushkodi and ends at Mannar Island in Sri Lanka.
Overview of Ram Setu Bridge
Ram Setu Bridge, Adam’s Bridge, or Rama’s Bridge, is a land of connection between India and Sri Lanka. It is a bridge that starts from the tip of the Pamban Bridge in India as a chain of Shoals. Ram Setu Bridge’s length in km is 50 km and 3 km wide. This bridge is the last tip of Rameswar Island, and the Ram Setu Bridge distance is about a few km from Dhanushkodi. Moreover, the structure is ancient, and according to popular beliefs, the Ram Setu Bridge age is about 1.7 million years.
This bridge is one of the most legendary, and many myths are related to its formation. Even there are questions like whether the Ram Setu Bridge is real. Basically, this bridge is a chain of coral reefs and sandbanks. However, the uniqueness of its formation and existence is what makes it so alluring.
According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, Lord Rama built this bridge with his army of monkeys to save his wife, Devi Sita. However, there is much confusion and controversy regarding these claims, too. However, some facts support some of these claims. Nevertheless, this location is one of the exciting places that tourists love visiting. The area has a lot to offer visitors, with myths and stories attached to it, along with natural beauty.
How to reach Ram Setu Bridge
You can easily take a taxi or hire a car to get here. Jeep services are also available here.
Ram Setu Bridge History
A long history is related to the mysterious and fascinating Ram Setu Bridge. After all, according to findings and research, this bridge is almost 7000 years old. So when a structure is that old, even the history will be equally fascinating. According to some research, one could pass through the Ram Setu Bridge until the 15th century. Studies say that the Ram Setu Bridge was above sea level at one point. In 1480, however, a violent cyclone destroyed the bridge to a great extent. The bridge’s age varies between 125,000 years to 3500 years. Surprisingly, that time frame also matches with the time frame of Ramayana as well.
According to mythology, the formation of the Ram Setu is related to Lord Rama. This bridge is the link between India and Sri Lanka. Therefore, when Lord Rama had to reach Lanka from India, he built this bridge along with his Vanara Sena. Ram Setu Bridge stones are also unique as they float on water. Mythological belief says each of these stones had the name of Lord Rama on it, which made them flow. However, there are several disagreements regarding this belief. The Sri Lankan historians negate this thought entirely. They explain this as a poor distortion of the history of Sri Lanka.
However, the British wanted to create a short route between the two countries during British rule. They wanted big ships to travel through. But those plans were left at that spot. Later, the Indian Government revived the idea and launched the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project. This project would have facilitated a shipping channel of over 400 km in 30 hours. However, since it would mean destroying the original formation, it was not taken forward either. Various groups also opposed the idea on grounds of religious sentiments. However, even environmentalists were against the idea as it would destroy the natural reefs and harm nature.
The architecture of Ram Set Bridge
Moreover, there have been arguments regarding the formation of this bridge. There are still doubts regarding if the bridge is artificial or a natural formation. According to studies by NASA, this is a natural formation, while according to the judgment of the Madras High Court, this bridge is a man-made formation. There are some geological explanations regarding the formation of this bridge as well. One such study says that this structure was found due to long-term tectonic movements in the Kaveri River basin. The coral-trapped sand in the area is why this structure was formed here. Another theory is that longshore currents dumping in sand led to the deposit of these sands.
According to the Geological Survey in India, this structure is 125,000 years old. It is said the sea level in this region oscillated, and sand formed during any such low-level period. The bridge was there itself. Later, it was exposed on its own.
Moreover, the bridge is also known as Adam’s Bridge. According to other stories, Adam once used this bridge to cross Adam’s Peak. The term Adam’s Bridge is mentioned in earlier writings of Al Beruni.
However, the sandbanks in a few places here are dry. In most areas, the sea is 3 feet deep, while in others, it is 30 feet deep. Floating rocks with Silica trapped in the air are the main components of the construction of this bridge. The fact that the bridge is old gives birth to various studies and assumptions. Nobody could either accept or deny any of the studies or research. Moreover, according to studies, the date of the formation and the age of the rocks here surprisingly match the Ramayana period.
Alongside the rocks are also said to be brought from somewhere else, further giving a stamp on the mythological beliefs. According to the beliefs, the army of monkeys brought the rocks, wrote the name of Lord Ram, and threw them into the water to form the bridge. Nala, a monkey, was the engineer who supervised the whole process. Therefore, the other name for this bridge is the Nala Bridge.
Is Ram Setu Bridge still there?
Yes! The bridge is still very much there. It is not passable, though. One can stand on it or walk through it. Even after so much research, there has yet to be any concrete answer about the formation of this bridge. It is, however, an important archaeological, historical, and geographical location. In 2021, the archaeologists carried out the Setu Mission. This was a way to investigate the shoals and characteristics of the limestone here. Furthermore, this topic was so interesting that even Bollywood made a film on it. Ram Setu is a Hindi film starring Akshay Kumar based on this bridge.
Whether you believe the mythological versions or the various research and studies, this location is one of the intriguing spots. So make sure you explore this location.
Wrapping Up!
Even though the connection of Ram Setu goes back to the epics and mythologies, the formation of Ram Setu is actual. It is very much present, and one can enjoy looking at it; it is not just you who can walk through it and enjoy a fantastic experience. It wouldn’t matter to a tourist how exactly the formation of the bridge took place. However, the vagueness attached to it makes it even more attractive. Everything seems interesting, from the Ram Setu Bridge length to age to formation. And you certainly must take advantage of this beauty of a location.
A location like this is like a treasure trove for tourists. You will get to experience and see a lot about the spot. Make sure you visit the Ram Setu Bridge. Let me know if this article is helpful for you, and also let me know when you are planning a visit there.
