Rameshwaram Ram Setu (Adam's Bridge): A Timeless Reminder of India’s Mythical Past

India, the very land of mysteries and miracles, has a legend associated with every structure, every architectural marvel in existence. And one such phenomenon is Ram Setu, colloquially known as setu bandh of Rameshwaram. Connecting Rameshwaram Island of Tamil Nadu to Mannar Island of Sri Lanka, Ram Setu is also known as Adam’s bridge.

This 48 km long Rameshwaram setu is made of limestone shoals and as reported, it was above sea level till 1480 and was reportedly passable on foot until the 15^th century. Owing to the interesting backstory associated with Ram Setu, it is one of the most popular places to visit in Rameshwaram.

Legend Behind the Ram Setu of Rameshwaram

As mentioned before, no structure in India exists without a legend associated with it. With Ram Setu of Rameswaram Island, the legends are rather impressive and remains a matter of debate amongst historians, archaeologists, and scientists.

As mentioned in Valmiki’s Hindu epic, Ramayana, the mythical ten-headed demon king of Lanka (Sri Lanka), Ravana, abducted Lord Ram’s wife, Sita and took her to Lanka. To reach Lanka and rescue his wife, Lord Ram constructed a bridge with the help of Vanar Sena (Army of apes.) As the legend has it, the shoals started floating on the water surface when Lord Ram’s name was written on them. It took the vanaras 5 days to complete the bridge. After the completion of the bridge, Lord Ram travelled to Lanka and rescued Sita.

The inclusion of Rameswaram setu in Valmiki’s Ramayana makes it one of the most revered sites for pilgrims. People all around the globe visit Rameswaram setu when sightseeing in Rameshwaram. Based on mythological fiction, Ramayana, the science behind the Ram Setu floating shoals is yet to be discovered by archaeologists and oceanographers.

Ram Setu or Adam’s Bridge

While Ram Setu has mentions in Valmiki’s Ramayana and matches the description of the actual bridge connecting Rameswaram and Mannar Island of Sri Lanka, the western world refers to it as Set Bandhai or Bridge of the Sea. Contrary to popular beliefs, some Islamic sources refer to a mountain in Sri Lanka as Adam's Peak, the exact point where Adam fell on earth. These sources mention Adam crossing the bridge from Sri Lanka to India after he was expelled from the Garden of Eden, and hence the name, Adam’s Bridge. Scholar Abu Rayhan al-Biruni was the first one to mention it as Adam’s Bridge.

Counted as one of the most prominent tourist destinations that carry great holy significance, this setu in Rameshwaram can be visited any time of the year. When booking a Rameshwaram tour package, make sure that the itinerary includes Rameshwaram setu along with other important tourist destinations.

Also known as the Adam’s Bridge, the religious significance of this tourist destination can be witnessed in the thousands of visitors who come here from different corners of the world just to experience the miraculous wonder that Lord Rama once established with the help of his Vanar Sena. Now, whether it is a legend or a fact, the setu exists, and that in itself is a fascinating mystery to ponder upon.