Sri Rameshwar Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is situated on the peninsular tip Rameshwaram on the Divine Sri Ram Setu which was built by Lord Sree Rama to reach Lanka. Many Hindus start their day with reciting shloka of with the Dwadash JyothirLinga Stotra.
SAURASHTRA SOMNATHAM CHA SHRISHAILE MALLIKARJUNAM ||
UJJAINYAM MAHAKALOMKARE MAMMALESHWARAM ||
PARLYAM VAIJNATHAM CHA DAKINYAM BHEEM SHANKARAM ||
SETU BANDHE TU RAMESHAM NAGESHAM DARUKA VANE ||
VARANASYA TU VISHWESHAM TRIBAKAM GAUTAMITATE ||
HIMALAYE TU KEDARAM GHURMESHAM CHA SHIVALAYE ||
AETANI JYOTIRLINGANI SAYAM PRATAHA PATHENNARAHA ||
SAPTA JANMA KRITAM PAPAM SMARANEN VINASHYATI |
The Sri Ramcharitra Manas Says
JE RAMESHWAR DARSHAN KARI HAHI |
TE TANU TAJI MAM LOKA SIDAARI HAHI ||
Meaning : Those who go to Rameshwar and seeks my blessings, shall always reside in Shivloka. The temple of Rameshwar is very big and huge. There are many other idols of Shiva and other gods other than the main linga. There is a big idol of Nandi, the vehicle of Shiva. There is greatness associated of the ceremonial bath given to the linga by water of the Ganga.
There is a Shrine named Dhanushkodi 20 miles away from Rameshwaram. It is known for rites performed for the deceased ancestors. In the vicinity of this there are a number of temples.
Rameshwar, the most sacrosanct pilgrimage where Sri Ram had constructed the bridge( Sri Ram Setu ) has the supreme place among all the pilgrimages. Having a ‘Darshana’ of this pilgrimage helps a man to develop devotions in lord Shiva and lord Vishnu and he gets liberated from the cycles of births and deaths. Sighting this bridge gives virtues similar to the virtues acquired by the performance of all the oblations.
A man who takes a holy bath at this pilgrimage goes to the abode of lord Vishnu and achieves liberation.
A man who meditates upon this ‘setu’ (bridge), `Rameshwar- linga’ and ‘Gandhamadan-Parvat’ (mountain) is freed from all of his sins. Even the sands at the shore of the sea is considered very sacred and a man who lies on the sands has all his sins of Brahma-hatya (killing a brahmim) gets destroyed.
The air around the bridge is so sacrosanct that its mere touch on the body destroys the sins acquired by having wine to the extent of ten thousand bottles.
If the ashes of the bones of a man are immersed in the water of the sea by his sons or grandsons then his (dead man’s) sins of stealing gold for ten thousand times gets destroyed.
A man who takes a bath here and thinks about another man while bathing all the sins acquired by him (about whom he thinks) because of being in the company of the most lowly and sinful men, gets destroyed.
A man who aspires to become wealthy has his aspirations fulfilled by taking a bath at this sacred pilgrimage of Rameshwar.
It would be appropriate to say that all the wishes and desires of a man gets fulfilled if he takes a bath at Rameshwar.
SOME OTHER SACRED PILGRIMAGES AROUND RAMESHWAR:
Lord Ram while on his way to Lanka had constructed the bridge over the sea with the help of the Vanaraas. The place where he had taken rest came to be known as ‘Darbhashayan teerth’.
There are many sacred sites situated on the bridge itself among which twenty-four sites are considered to be the main. They are as follows:
‘Chakra-teertha’, ‘Vetal-varad teertyha’, ‘Pap-Vinashan teertha’, ‘Sita-Sarovar’, ‘Mangal-teertha’, ‘Amrit vapika’, ‘Brahma-Kunda’, ‘Hanumat-kunda’, ‘Agastya teertha’, ‘Ram-teertha’, ‘Laxman teertha’, ‘Jaya-teertha’, ‘Laxmi teertha’, ‘Agni-teertha’, ‘Chakra-teertha’, ‘Shiv-teertha’, ‘Shankha-teertha’, ‘Yamuna-teertha’, ‘Ganga-teertha’, ‘Koti-teertha’, ‘Sadhyamrita-teertha’, ‘Manas-teertha’ and ‘Dhamush-Koti teertha’. These are the main pilgrimages situated on the bridge. All these pilgrimages are considered as very sacred and a man who visits these sites gets all of his sins destroyed.
Chakra Teertha: A ferocious demon ran towards sage Malav who was meditating at the banks of Dharma-puskarini. As the demon was very hungry he wanted to devour the sage. The sage called on lord Vishnu for his protection. Lord Vishnu sent his weapon ‘Sudarshan-Chakra to kill the demon. The Sudarshan Chakra instantly killed the demon by beheading him. Sage Malav requested the ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ to remain there. Sudarshan Chakra accepted his requested and stayed there. That pilgrimage became famous as ‘Dharma-Pushkarini Chakra-teertha.
SITA SAROVAR: Sita the daughter of Janak to prove her chastity to lord Ram had entered into the fire which was witnessed by all the deities. Sita came from the fire without being harmed. She created a pond for the welfare of the human beings. She took bath in that pond. Later on this pond came to be known as Sita-Sarovar.
MANGAL-TEERTHA: Goddess Laxmi always dwells at Mangal-teertha. In the ancient time a king by the name of Manojava and who was in the lineage of the moon took refuge in the forest along with his wife and children, after being defeated by the enemies. His hungry child demanded something to eat. Being unable to meet his demand both the king and his wife fainted. Sage Parashar was passing through that forest. Seeing him ‘Sumitra’ made salutations to him and narrated her whole story to him. By contemplating on lord Shiva, Sage Parashar touched the king and as a result the king regained his consciousness. Sage Parashar instructed them to go near the Gandh Madan mountain, where according to him was situated a sacred reservoir. He also asked them to take a holy bath in it as the result of which all of their miseries would end.
The king, following the instructions of sage Parashar went to the said place and chanted cryptic mantra for three months. As the result of his penance he acquired various divine weapons, a divine chariot. The king then defeated his enemies and regained his kingdom.
This mangal teertha is very sacred and gives liberation and salvation to a man.
EKANTA RAMNATH: Sri Ram along with Sita, Laxman and Hanuman dwell at Ekanta Ramnath, to oblige his devotees. There is situated, a pond by the name of Amrit Vapika, A man who takes a dip in this pond, is freed from the fears of old age and death. A man, who bathes in the holy water of Amrit Vapi, attains immortality by the blessings of Lord Shankar.
BRAHMA KUNDA: This sacred and great pilgrimage is situated in the middle of the bridge, at the ‘Gandh-Madan’ mountain. Having a darshan of this ‘Brahma-Kunda’ destroys all the sins of a man. It also neutralizes the sins of acquired by lakhs of ‘Brahmhatya’ (killing of Brahmin). One, who applies the sacred ashes of Brahmakunda on his forehead (tripunda), attains salvation. One who takes a holy bath in the Brahma-Kunda, finds the doors of the ‘abode of salvation’ open for him. This ‘Brahmakunda’ liberates a man from the bondage’s of the world. It also fulfills all the wishes and desires of a man.
HANUMATKUNDA: While returning from Sri Lanka, Sri Ram along with his army which comprised of the monkeys, reached ‘Gandhamadan’ mountain. Hanuman, the son of wind (Pawan) created a supreme pilgrimage, for the benediction of the human beings. One who takes a bath in this reservoir attains to the abode of lord Shiva.
AGASTYA TEERTHA: Sage Agastya, while travelling towards south, went to the Gandhamadan mountain. After coming to know about the greatness of Gandhamadan Mountain he constructed a very virtuous pilgrimage in his own name. Even today, he along with his wife dwell at this pilgrimage. One who takes a bath in the holy water of this pilgrimage becomes free birth, death and rebirth.
RAM TEERTHA: This sacred reservoir created by lord Raghunath imparts religious merits and destroys the sins. Even performance of a minor oblation, at the banks of Ram-teertha, gives complete virtues. Similarly a self-study and chanting of Mantras, at the banks of Ram-teerths gives complete virtues. The great Shiva-linga with a desire to oblige the human beings, manifested at the banks of Ram teertha.’ A man, who takes a bath in the holy water of Ram teerth and then has a darshan of this Shiva-linga attains salvation.
JATA TEERTHA: After the killing of Ravana the pond in which, Sri Ram had washed his locks of hair, came to be known as ‘Jata-Teertha’. Taking a bath in the holy water of this pilgrimage purifies the conscience of a man. It also bestows the self-knowledge and as the result of this self knowledge a man attains salvation.
LAKSHMI TEERTHA: A man who takes a bath in the holy water of Lakshami teertha gets all of his desires fulfilled. This pilgrimage makes a man prosperous by driving away the poverty. It also destroys the gravest of sorrows. It helps a man in attaining to the heaven, in the attainment of the salvation, makes him free from the burden of the debts and helps him to have ‘good’ progenies.
RAMESHWAR-MAHALINGA
A man who has a ‘darshan’ of ‘Rameshwar-Shivlinga’, established by Sri RamChandra, achieves unification with lord Shankar and which is just like attainment of salvation.
The virtues attained in ten years in the era of ‘Satya’ are equivalent to the virtues attained in one year, in the era of ‘treta’ and to the virtues attained in one month, in the era of ‘dwapar’ and to the virtues attained in one day in the era of ‘Kali’. The same virtues by becoming crore-folds are attained in a moment, by having a ‘darshan’ of lord Rameshwar.
All the deities all the pilgrimages and all the pilgrimages and all the ancestors dwell in the Rameshwar-linga. Rameshwar-Shivlinga, which has been worshipped by Sri Ram, is Sancro-Sanct that even its mere remembrance frees a man from the pains of Yamaraj (death.) Just as a fire burns the wood to ashes in the same way having a darshan of lord Rameshwar burns (destroys) all the sins.
A man who has a ‘darshan’ of ‘Rameshwar Mahalinga’ even destroys. The sins committed by other people instantly. If a man has a ‘darshan’ of Rameshwar-Mahalinga at the time of his death then he does not have a second birth.
A man who bathes Rameshwar-Mahalinga with the milk of the cow liberates his twenty-one generations and attains to the abode of ‘Shiva’.
If a man bathes Rameshwar-Mahalinga with the curd attains to the abode of lord Vishnu.
If a man bathes Rameshwar-Mahalinga with the water of river Ganges, he is even revered by lord Shiva himself.
Therefore a man, aspiring to attain salvation, should worship, eulogize and meditate on the form of Rameshwar-Mahalinga till he is alive.
Sri Ramnath Swamy Temple Rameshwaram
ESTABLISHMENT OF RAMESHWAR-LINGA
When lord Ram returned from Lanka after achieving victory, sage Agastya along with his disciples, went to the Gandhamadan Mountain, to see him.
Sri Ram inquired from him about the means of atonement, for his sins acquired by the killing of Ravana. Sage Agastya advised him to establish a Shiva linga and worship it. He also said that it would appropriately act as an atonement for his sins and it would also bestow virtues to the common man, similar to that of having darshan of Kashi-Vishwanath. “This ‘Shiva-linga’ would become famous by your name” said sage Agastya.
Hearing this lord Ram fixed an auspicious time for the establishment of Shivalinga and he also sent Hanuman to bring ‘Shivalinga from Kailash mountain.
But, when the sages saw that Hanuman did not return in time and there was a fear of the auspicious time being over, they requested Sri Ram, to establish the Shiva linga, made of sand by Sita.
Sri Ram followed the instructions and established the Shiva-linga, at one end of the bridge on the ‘Gandhamadan’ mountain amidst the chanting of auspicious mantras by the sages and Sita. At that particulars time lord Shiva and goddess Parvati had manifested themselves in the Shiva-lingas. Lord Shiva was present with his full splendour and magnificence moon’s phase on his forehead and river Ganges flowing out from his locks of hair.
Lord Shiva becoming pleased by Sri Ram blessed him with a boon, that anyone who has darshan of his Shiva lingas, his gravest of sins would be destroyed just as taking a bath in Dhanuskoti destroys the gravest of sins of a man.
After establishing the Shiva lingas Sri Ram also established an idol of Nandikeshwar, and then he bathed Rameshwar-Shivlinga with the water, which was acquired by piercing the earth with his arrow. This pond came to be known as ‘Koti-teertha’.
When Hanuman returned, he told Sri Ram about the reason for being late. He told that, when he reached Kailash mountain, he did not have a darshan of Lord Shiva, so he pleased lord Shiva by his penance and then received a Shivalinga as his blessings.
“Now I find that you have already established the Shiva linga, what do I do with the Shivalinga, I have brought” said Hanuman.
Sri Ram then consoled Hanuman and asked him to establish the Shivalinga himself. This Shivalina would become famous in all the three world, by your name and it would also act as an atonement for your sins, which you have acquired by killing ‘Bramha-Rakshas’ (Brahmin-Demon)”- said Sri Ram.
The Shiva-linga established by Hanuman became famous as Hanuman-Shivalinga, which was gifted to him by lord Shiva himself.
For every Hindu
Ramayan is our life Sri Ram Setu is our Pranna & Sri Rama is Atman
The Ramayana is not only our divine holy scripture but also shows us Dharma and guides us on how we should lead our lives and live with others in the family and society.
from www.urday .com
Ram Sethu construction in Valmiki Ramayana
Nala on his part initiated a monumental bridge in the middle of the ocean. The bridge was built at that time with the cooperation of other Vanaras, of terrific strength.
Seeing that Rama’s accomplishment, which was amazing and arduous; celestials, Siddhas (semi-divine beings possessing supernatural faculties) and Charanas (celestial bards) along with great sages, forthwith approached Rama and consecrated him with very splendid waters separately.
Rama the glorious and righteous man, wielding a bow along with Lakshmana together with Sugriva, went in front of that army.
Valmiki describes the construction of Ram Sethu in great detail. Here is an excerpt and text (translation) of the entire sarga (Book VI: Yuddha Kanda, Book of War, Chapter [sarga] 22) where this description occurs in Valmiki Ramayana.
The architect who led the construction was Nala. This was also confirmed by Veda Vyasa in Mahabharata.
Veda Vyasa refers to the Sethu as Nalasetu (Mahabharata: 3.267.45)
…which even today, popular on earth as Nala’s bridge, mountain like, is sustained out of respect for (Lord) Rama’s command. (Nala was son of Vishwakarma).
When Rama is about to release a missile presided over by Brahma from His bow, the sea-god appears in person before Him with joined palms and advises Him to get a bridge constructed by Nala across the ocean. The ocean god disappears after giving this advice to Rama. Nala accordingly constructs a bridge across the sea with the help of other vanaraas.
athovaaca raghushreSThaH saagaram daaruNam vacaH| adya tvaam shoSayiSyaami sapaataalam mahaarNava || (2-22-1)
Then, Rama spoke these harsh words to the ocean: “O, Ocean! I will make you dry up now along with your nethermost subterranean region.”
sharanirdagdhatoyasya parishuSkasya saagara | mayaa nihatasattvasya paamsurutpadyate mahaan || (2-22-2)
“O, Ocean! A vast stretch of sand will appear, when your water gets consumed by my arrows; when you get dried up and the creatures inhabiting you get destroyed by me.”
matkaarmukanisR^iSTena sharavarSeNa saagara | param tiiram gamiSyanti padbhireva plavaN^gamaaH || (2-22-3)
“By a gush of arrows released by my bow, our monkeys can proceed to the other shore even by foot; O, Ocean!”
vichinvannaabhijaanaasi pauruSam vaapi vikramam | daavnavaalaya samtaapam matto naama gamiSyasi|| (2-22-4)
“O, Sea the abode of demons! You are not able to recognise my valor or prowess through your intelligence. You will indeed get repentance at my hands.”
braahmeNaastreNa samyojya brahmadaNDanibham sharam | samyojya dhanuSi shre SThe vicakarSa mahaabalaH || (2-22-5)
“Fixing an arrow resembling the Rod of Brahma (the creator) charged with a missile (presided over by Brahma) to his excellent bow, the exceedingly powerful Rama stretched it towards the sea.”
tasminvikR^iSTe sahasaa raaghaveNa sharaasane | rodasii sampaphaaleva parvataashca chakampire || (2-22-6)
While Rama was stretching that bow, both the heaven and earth suddenly seemed to be split asunder. Mountains also were shaken.
tamashca lokamaavavre dishashca na chakaashire | praticukshubhire caashu saraamsi saritastadaa || (2-22-7)
Darkness enveloped the world. All the quarters were obscured. Lakes and rivers were soon agitated.
tiryak ca saha nakshatraiH samgatau candrabhaaskarau | bhaaskaraamshubhiraadiiptam tamasaa ca samaavR^itam || (2-22-8) pracakaashe tadaakaashamulkaashatavidiipitam| antarikshaachcha nirghaataa nirjagmuratulasvanaaH || (2-22-9)
The moon, sun and the stars moved obliquely and though the sun’s rays lighted the sky, it was enveloped by darkness and shined with a blaze of hundreds of meteors while thunders reverberated with an unparalleled sound in the sky.
vapuHprakarSeNa vavurdivyamaarutapaN^ktyaH | babhaJNja cha tadaa vR^ikshaan jaladaanudvahan muhuH ||(2-22-10)
Series of celestial winds blew in their colossal form and the winds, then sweeping away the clouds, tore up the trees again and again.
aarujamshcaiva shailaagraan shikharaaNi babhaJNja ca | divi ca sma mahaavegaaH samhataaH samahaasvanaaH || (2-22-11) mumucurvaidyutaanagniimste mahaashanayastadaa |
The wind, shattering the mountain peaks, broke off the points of the rocks. Winds of great velocity struck together in the sky and emitted flashes of radiance proceeding from lightning with a great sound and then there were great thunders.
yaani bhuutaani dR^ishyaani chukrushushcaashaneH samam || (2-22-12) adR^ishyaani ca bhuutaani mumuchurbhairavasvanam | shishyare caabhibhuutaani samtrastaamyadvijanti ca || (2-22-13) sampravivyathire caapi na ca paspandire bhayaat |
The visible creatures cried out along with the thunders. The invisible beings too gave off a terrific noise. The creatures were overpowered, frightened, agitated, lied down and also very much anguished. They did not move due to fear.
sahabhuutaiH satoyormiH sanaagaH saharaakshasaH || (2-22-14) sahasaabhuuttato vegaadbhiimavego mahodadhiH | yojanam vyaticakraama velaamanyatra samplavaat || (2-22-15)
The great ocean with its waves and water, along with its living creatures including snakes and demons soon became possessed of a terrific velocity. Due to that speed and swelling of waters, the ocean crossed beyond the other shore to the extent of a yojan (eight miles).
tam tathaa samatikraantam naaticakraama raaghavaH | samuddhatamamitraghno raamo nadanadiipatim || (2-22-16)
Rama born in Raghu dynasty and the annihilator of enemies, did not retreat before that ocean, which swelled and crossed its limits.
tato madhyaat samudrasya saagaraH svayam utthitaH | udayan hi mahaashailaan meror iva divaa karaH || (2-22-17)
Then, Sagara (the ocean god) himself rose from the middle of the ocean as the sun rises at dawn from the huge mountain of Meru.
pannagaiH saha diipta aasyaiH samudraH pratyadR^ishyata| snigdha vaiduurya samkaasho jaambuu nada vibhuuSitaH || (2-22-18)
That ocean along with snakes of flaming jaws appeared with a hue of glossy emerald adorned with gold.
ratna maalya ambara dharaH padma patra nibha iikSaNaH| sarvapuSpamayiim divyaam shirasaa dhaarayan srajam || (2-22-19)
jaataruupamayaishcaiva tapaniiyavibhuuSito bhuuSaNottamaiH| aatmajaanaam ca ratnaanaam bhuuSito bhuuSaNottamaiH || (2-22-20)
dhaatubhirmaNDitaH shailo vividhairhamavaaniva | ekaavaliimadhyagatam taralam paaNDaraprabham || (2-22-21)
vipulenorasaa bibhratkaustubhasya sahodaram | aaghuurNitataraN^-gaughaHkaalikaanilasamkulaH || (2-22-22) gaN^gaasindhupradhaa-naabhiraapagaabhiH samaavR^itaH|
devataanaam saruupaabhirnaa-naaruupaabhiriishvaraH|| (2-22-23) saagaraH samatikramya puurvam aamantrya viiryavaan | abraviit praanjalir vaakyam raaghavam shara paaNinam || (2-22-24)
The valiant ocean, the lord of rivers, wearing a wreath of pearls, with his eyes resembling lotus leaves, bearing a beautiful garland made of all kinds of flowers on his head, with ornaments of refined gold, adorned with excellent jewels made of pearls from his domain, decorated with different kinds of gems and metals, resembling Himavat mountain, wearing on his broad chest a locket shedding a white luster, resembling a Kaustubha gem (adorning the blossom of Lord Vishnu) and hanging in the middle of a single string of pearls, with a multitude of waves whirled around him, encircled by the clouds and winds, escorted by rivers mainly the Ganga and Sindhu, endowed with diverse forms resembling various deities, approached Rama with joined palms, who stood with arrows in hand, addressing him first as ‘Rama!’ and spoke the following words:
pR^ithivii vaayur aakaasham aapo jyotiH ca raaghavaH | svabhaave saumya tiSThanti shaashvatam maargam aashritaaH || (2-22-25)
“O, beloved Rama! Earth, wind ether, water and light remain fixed in their own nature, resorting to their eternal path.”
tat svabhaavo mama api eSa yad agaadho aham aplavaH | vikaaras tu bhaved raadha etat te pravadaami aham || (2-22-26)
“Therefore, I am fathomless and my nature is that it is impossible of being swum across. It becomes unnatural if I am shallow. I am telling you the following device to cross me.”
na kaamaan na ca lobhaad vaa na bhayaat paarthiva aatmaja| raagaannakraakulajalam stambhayeyam kathamcana || (2-22-27)
“O, Prince! Neither from desire nor ambition nor fear nor from affection, I am able to solidify my waters inhabited by alligators.”
vidhaasye yena gantaasi viSahiSye hyaham tathaa | na graahaa vidhamiSyanti yaavatsenaa tariSyati|| (2-22-28) hariiNaam taraNe raama kariSyaami yathaasthalam |
“O, Rama! I shall make it possible to see that you are able to cross over. I will arrange a place for the monkeys to cross me and bear with it. As far as the army crosses me, the crocodiles will not be aggressive to them.”
tamabraviittadaa raamaH shR^iNu me varuNaalaya || (2-22-29) amogho.ayam mahaabaaNaH kasmin deshe nipaatyataam |
Then, Rama spoke to that ocean as follows: “Listen to me. This great arrow should not go in vain. In which region should it be descended?”
raamasya vachanam shrutvaa tam ca dR^iSTvaa mahaasharam|| (2-22-30) mahodadhirmahaatejaa raaghavam vaakyamabraviit |
Hearing Rama’s words and seeing that powerful arrow, the large splendid Ocean spoke the following words to Rama:
uttareNaavakaasho.asti kashchitpuNyataro mama || (2-22-31) drumakulya iti khyaato loke khyaato yathaa bhavaan |
“Towards my northern side, there is a holy place. It is well known as Drumatulya, in the same way as you are well known to this world.”
Hearing those words of the high-soled ocean, Rama released that excellent and splendid arrow towards that place as directed by the ocean.
tena tanmarukaantaaram p^ithivyaam kila vishrutam || (2-22-35) vipaatitaH sharo yatra vajraashanisamaprabhaH|
The place where the arrow, whose splendor was akin to that of a thunder and a thunderbolt, was descended by Rama- that place is indeed famous as desert of Maru* on this earth. (*Maru is Malwar in Rajasthan, India)
nanaada ca tadaa tatra vasudhaa shalyapiiDitaa || (2-22-36) tasmaadbaaNamukhaattoyamutpapaata rasaatalaat |
The earth there, pierced by the dart, then emitted a sound. The waters of the penultimate subterranean region gushed forth from the mouth of that cleft.
sa babhuuva tadaa kuupo vraNa ityeva vishrutaH || (2-22-37) satatam cotthitam toyam samudrasyeva dR^ishyate |
Then the hollow became known as Vrana. Water constantly seen, gushing forth from it resembled seawater.
avadaaraNashabdashca daaruNaH samapadyata || (2-22-38) tasmaattadbaaNapaatena apaH kukshiSvashoSayat |
A terrific splitting sound was born in that place. Water was dried up in those cavities, as a result of hurling of that arrow by Rama.
vikhyaatam triSu lokeSu madhukaantaarameva ca || (2-22-39) shoSayitvaa tu tam kukshim raamo dasharathaatmajaH | varam tasmai dadau vidvaanmarave.-amaravikramaH || (2-22-40)
That desert of Maru became famous in the three worlds. Rama (the son of Dasaratha), a wise man and a valiant man resembling a celestial, made that cavity dried up and gave a boon to that desert of Maru.
pashavyashcaalparogashca phalamuularasaayutaH | bahusneho bahukshiiraH sugandhirvivi-dhauSadhiH || (2-22-41) evametairguNairyukto bahibhiH samyuto maruH | raamasya varadaanaacca shivaH panthaa babhuuva ha || (2-22-42)
Due to granting of a boon by Rama, that desert of Maru became the most congenial place for cattle rearing, a place with a little of disease, producing tasty fruits and roots, with a lot of clarified butter, a lot of milk and various kinds of sweet-smelling herbs. Thus it became an auspicious and suitable move, bestowing these merits.
tasmin dagdhe tadaa kukshau samudraH saritaam patiH | raaghavam sarvashaas-trajJNamidam vacanambraviit || (2-22-43)
While that cavity was burning, ocean, the lord of rivers, spoke these words to Rama who knew all scientific treatises.
ayam saumya nalo naama tanujo vishva karmaNaH | pitraa datta varaH shriimaan pratimo vishva karmaNaH || (2-22-44)
“O, Excellent man! This one, named Nala, a glorious person, is the son of Vishvakarma; who was given a boon by his father and is equal to Vishvakarma.”
eSa setum mahaautsaahaH karotu mayi vaanaraH | tam aham dhaarayiSyaami tathaa hi eSa yathaa pitaa || (2-22-45)
“Let this greatly energetic monkey build a bridge across me. I can hold that bridge. He is just the same as his father.”
evam uktvaa udadhir naSTaH samutthaaya nalas tataH | abraviid vaanara shreSTho vaakyam raamam mahaabalaH || (2-22-46)
Thus speaking, the god of ocean disappeared from that place. Then Nala, the more distinguished among vanaraas stood up and spoke the following words to Rama of great power:
aham setum kariSyaami vistiirNe varuNa aalaye | pituH saamarthyam aasthaaya tattvam aaha mahaaudadhiH|| (2-22-47)
“The great ocean disclosed a truth. I will construct a bridge across this large ocean, taking recourse to the skill and ability of my father.”
asau tu saagaro bhiimaH setukarmadidR^ikshayaa | dadau daNDabhayaadgaadham raaghavaaya mahodadhiH || (2-22-48)
“This Sagara, the formidable mass of water, in fear of punishment, gave a passage to Rama, wishing to see a bridge constructed on it.”
mama maatur varo datto mandare vishva karmaNaa | aurasas tasya putro aham sadR^isho vishva karmaNaa || (2-22-49)
“On the mountain of Mandara, the following boon was given by Vishvakarma to my mother: “O, god like lady! A son equal to me will be born to you.”
aurasastasya putro.aham sadR^isho vishvakarmaNaa| smaarito.asmyahametena tattvamaaha mahodadhiH || (2-22-50) na ca api aham anukto vai prabruuyaam aatmano guNaan|
“I am a son born of Vishvakarma’s own loins. I am equal to Vishvakarma. This god of ocean has reminded me. The great ocean spoke the truth. Being unasked, I have not told you my details earlier.”
samarthshcaapyaham setum kartum vai varuNaalaye || (2-22-51) tasmaadadyaiva badhnantu setum vaanarapuN^gavaaH |
“I am capable of constructing a bridge across the ocean. Hence, let the foremost of vanaraas build the bridge now itself.”
tato nisR^iSTa raameNa sarvato hari yuuthapaaH || (2-22-52) abhipetur mahaaaraNyam hR^iSTaaH shata sahasrashaH |
Then, being sent by Rama, hundreds and thousands of monkey heroes jumped in joy on all sides towards the great forest.
te nagaan naga samkaashaaH shaakhaa mR^iga gaNa R^iSabhaaH|| (2-22-53) babhanjur vaanaraas tatra pracakarSuH ca saagaram |
Those army-chiefs of monkeys, who resembled mountains, broke the rocks and trees there and dragged them away towards the sea.
te saalaiH ca ashva karNaiH ca dhavair vamshaiH ca vaanaraaH|| (2-22-54) kuTajair arjunais taalais tikalais timishair api | bilvakaiH saptaparNaishca karNikaaraishca puSpitaiH || (2-22-55) cuutaiH ca ashoka vR^ikSaiH ca saagaram samapuurayan |
Those monkeys filled the ocean with all types of trees like Sala and Asvakarna, Dhava and bamboo, Kutaja, Arjuna, palmyra,Tilaka, Tinisa, Bilva, Saptaparna, Karnika, in blossom as also mango and Asoka.
samuulaamH ca vimuulaamH ca paadapaan hari sattamaaH|| (2-22-56) indra ketuun iva udyamya prajahrur harayas taruun |
The excellent monkeys, the forest animals lifted and brought, like Indra’s flag posts, some trees with roots intact and some others without roots.
taalaan daaDimagulmaamshca naarikelavibhiitakaan || (2-22-57) kariiraan bakulaannimbaan samaajahruritastataH |
From here and there the vanaraas brought Palmyra trees, pomegranate shrubs, coconut and Vibhitaka, Karira, Bakula and neem trees.
hastimaatraan mahaakaayaaH paaSaaNaamshca mahaabalaaH || (2-22-58) parvataamshca samutpaaTya yantraiH parivahanti ca |
The huge bodied monkeys with mighty strength uprooted elephant-sized rocks and mountains and transported them by mechanical contrivances.
prakSipyamaaNair acalaiH sahasaa jalam uddhatam || (2-22-59) samutpatitam aakaasham apaasarpat tatas tataH |
The water, raised up due to sudden throwing of mountains in the sea, soured upward towards the sky and from there again, gushed back.
samudram kshobhayaa-maasurnipatantaH samantataH || (2-22-60) suutraaNyanye pragR^ihNanti hyaayatam shatayojanam |
The rocks befalling on all sides perturbed the ocean. Some others drew up strings a hundred yojans long (in order to keep the rocks in a straight line.)
nalaH cakre mahaasetum madhye nada nadii pateH || (2-22-61) sa tadaa kriyate seturvaanarai rghorakarmabhiH |
Nala on his part initiated a monumental bridge in the middle of the ocean. The bridge was built at that time with the cooperation of other monkeys, of terrible doings.
daNDananye pragR^ihNanti vicinvanti tathaapare || (2-22-62) vaanaraiH shatashastatra raamasyajJNaapuraHsaraiH | meghaabhaiH parvataabhashca tR^iNaiH kaaSThairbabandhare || (2-22-63)
Some vanaraas were holding poles for measuring the bridge and some others collected the material. Reeds and logs resembling clouds and mountains, brought by hundreds of monkeys, lead by the command of Rama, fastened some parts of the bridge.
puSpitaagraishcha tarubhiH setum badhnanti vaanaraaH | paaSaaNaamshca giriprakhyaan giriiNaam shikharaaNi ca || (2-22-64) dR^ishyante paridhaavanto gR^ihya daanavasamnibhaaH |
Monkeys constructed the bridge with trees having blossom at the end of their boughs. Some monkeys looking like demons seized rocks resembling mountains and peaks of mountains and appeared running hither and thither.
shilaanaam kSipyamaaNaanaam shailaanaam tatra paatyataam || (2-22-65) babhuuva tumulaH shabdas tadaa tasmin mahaaudadhau |
Then, a tumultuous sound occurred when the rocks were thrown into the sea and when mountains were caused to fall there.
kR^itaani prathamenaahnaa yojanaani caturdasha || (2-22-66) prahR^iSTaijasamkaashaistvaramaaNaiH plavaN^gamaiH |
On the first day, fourteen yojans of bridge was constructed by the vanaraas speedily, thrilled with delight as they were, resembling elephants.
dvitiiyena tathaivaahnaa yojanaani tu vishatiH || (2-22-67) kR^itaani plavagaistuurNam bhiimakaayairmahaabalaiH |
In the same manner, on the second day twenty yojans of bridge was constructed speedily by the monkeys of terrific bodies and of mighty strength.
ahnaa tR^itiiyena tathaa yojanaani tu saagare || (2-22-68) tvaramaaNairmahaakayaireka-vimshatireva ca |
Thus, on the third day twenty-one yojans of the bridge was constructed in the ocean speedily by the vanaraas with their colossal bodies.
caturthena tathaa caahnaa dvaavimshatirathaapi vaa || (2-22-69) yojanaani mahaavegaiH kR^itaani tvaritaistataH |
On the forth day, a further of twenty-two yojans was constructed by the dashing vanaraas with a great speed.
paJNcamena tathaa caahnaa plavagaiH kshiprakaaribhiH || (2-22-70) yojanaani trayovimshat-suvelamadhikR^itya vai|
In that manner, on the fifth day, the monkeys working quickly constructed twenty-three yojans of the bridge up to the other seashore.
sa vaanaravaraH shriimaan vishvakarmaatmajo balii || (2-22-71) babandha saagare setum yathaa caasya tathaa pitaa |
That Nala, the strong and illustrious son of Vishvakarma and an excellent monkey built the bridge across the sea as truly as his father would have built it.
sa nalena kR^itaH setuH saagare makara aalaye || (2-22-72) shushubhe subhagaH shriimaan svaatii patha iva ambare |
That beautiful and lovely bridge constructed by Nala across the ocean the abode of alligators, shone brightly like a milky way of stars in the sky.
tato devaaH sagandharvaaH siddhaaH ca parama R^iSayaH || (2-22-73) aagamya gagane tasthurdraSTu-kaamaastadadbhutam|
With a desire to behold that marvel, celestials along with Gandharvas, the heavenly musicians, Siddhas (semi-divine beings of great purity and perfection, possessing super natural qualities) and great sages came then and stood up in the sky.
That colossal bridge, which was broad, well-constructed, glorious, well postured and held together firmly, looked beautiful like a separating straight line in the ocean.
Vibhishana, wielding a mace in his hand, stood up on the seashore along with his ministers, for the purpose of invading the enemies.
sugriivastu tataH praaha raamam satyaparaakramam | hanumantam tvamaaroha aN^gadam tvatha lakshmaNaH || (2-22-80) ayam hi vipulo viira saagaro makaraalayaH| vaihaayasau yuvaametau vaanarau dhaarayiSyataH|| (2-22-81)
Thereafter, Sugriva on his part spoke to Rama, the truly brave man as follows: “O, Valiant man! This ocean, the abode of alligators, is indeed vast. You ascend the shoulder of Hanuman and let Lakshmana ascend the shoulder of Angada. These monkeys can hold both of you while flying in the sky.”
agratas tasya sainyasya shriimaan raamaH salakshmaNaH| jagaama dhanvii dharma aatmaa sugriiveNa samanvitaH || (2-22-82)
Rama the glorious and righteous man, wielding a bow along with Lakshmana together with Sugriva, went in front of that army.
Seeing that Rama’s accomplishment, which was amazing and arduous; celestials, Siddhas (semi-divine beings possessing supernatural faculties) and Charanas (celestial bards) along with great sages, forthwith approached Rama and consecrated him with very splendid waters separately.
jayasva shatruun nara deva mediniim | sasaagaraam paalaya shaashvatiiH samaaH | iti iva raamam nara deva satkR^itam| shubhair vacobhir vividhair apuujayan || (2-22-87)
The celestials, Siddhas and others exalted Rama, who was duly respected by kings with their auspicious words as follows: ” O, king! Defeat the enemies. Rule the earth and ocean eternally for years.”
Thus completes 22nd Chapter of Yuddha Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Source: www.valmikiramayan.net
Sri Ram setu is the living Proof of our Sanatan Hindu Dharma
Pictures taken by NASA [National Aeronautics & Space Administration], USA from space show the remains of what appears to be an ages old man-made bridge between Rameshwaram and Sri Lanka.The bridge is 30 miles (48 km) long and separates the Gulf of Mannar (southwest) from the Palk Strait (northeast). Some of the sandbanks are dry and the sea in the area is very shallow, being only 3 ft to 30 ft (1 m to 10 m) deep in places, It was reportedly passable on foot up to the 15th century until storms deepened the channel: temple records seem to say that Rama’s Bridge was complete above sea level before a cyclone in 1480 AD.
According to Hindu scriptures and belief, Lord Ram and his vaanar sena had built a bridge from Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka about 17 lacs 25 thousands years ago. The discovery of Shri Ram Setu by NASA confirms that Hindu scriptures and belief are correct in this matter and that Ramayana is ‘history’ and not “mythology” as is often construed
What is Setu (Sethu) Samudram Project?
The Setu (Sethu) Samudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP) is an Evil ,most idiotic project & biggest blunder in the history of world that has been approved by the Government of India and its work has been started near Kodand Ram Temple. In this project, Palk Gulf and Gulf Mennar will be linked by making a shipping canal through Rameshwaram Island.
Even after the disappproval of Indian Navy
Many naval officials stated that even after the completion of SSCP, the depth of the canal shall be only 12 meters (about 36 feet), and only small and medium sized vessels shall be able to pass. Large sized vessels and carriers shall not be able to pass &greatest danger of both easy naval attack by enemies & it will create a deepwater route for another devastating tsunami This SSCP will only amount to damaging a monument of both historical and religious importance to Hindus.
An attempt to humiliate Hindus religious sentiments
The drill, which is being used to demolish the Sri Ram Setu bridge, is named ‘Jai Hanuman!’
Thus, as declared by the hermitage, this is a direct attempt to humiliate Hindus. Two such machines taken there have broken down. The government should take a lesson or two from this, says the hermitage.
It is a large conspiracy to erase the proof of Sanatan Dharama that is Shri Ram sethu from ancient history of Hindus.
Would any government in China even think about destroying or even altering The Wall of China for the sake of any amount of money? Will any one allow the pulling down of the Pyramids of Egypt in lieu of any uncountable amount of money?
If the answer to the last two questions is NO, then why is this 17,25,000 year-old man-made monument both historical and religious importance of Bharat being destroyed for the sake of some coins?
Why Ram Setu (Sethu) should not be damaged?
Spiritual Significance
1. This is a divine bridge & one of the most Sacred Monuments of Sanatan Dharma.
2. Lord Rama and his vaanar sena had built it 17 lacs 25 thousands years ago.
3. In Puranas, the importance of Setu is explained in great details, especially in Skanda Purana, Vishnu Purana, Agni Purana, and Brahma Purana.
Physical Significance
1. Ram Setu (Sethu) a natural barrier to Tsunami: During the last tsunami, the Rama Bridge (at a high elevation) from the rest of the shoal accumulations acted as a natural barrier preventing the direct devastation of the entire Bharatam coastline south and southwest of Nagapattanam. – Dr. Murthy, Chief editor of the reputed International Tsunami Journal “Science of Tsunami Hazards”
2. Ram Setu (Sethu) prevented the tsunami from advancing from Rameshwaram to Kerala.
3. Threat of Tsunami: Many geologists, earth scientists, and oceanographers have commented critically, against the disastrous consequences of constructing SSCP. Amongst these is the impending devastation of Kerala and other souther tips of indian peninsula, which will suck in after implementation of SSCP, after next Tsunami hits it Read details: Sethusamudram project will and impending Tsunami devastation. http://www.hindujagruti.org/news/1623.html
Social Significance
1. The construction of evil SSCP is trampling upon the feelings and emotions of millions and millions of Hindus.
2. As one of the world’s oldest man-made structures, this bridge is of great significance not only to Hindus, but all of humankind. It is much older than the pyramids of Egypt and the Wall of China, and represents a great feat for human civilization.
3. Ram Setu has sentimental, religious and historic value.
4. People have crossed the sea using the Rama-Setu, for many thousand years, until the 15th century.
Better alternative solutions are also available!
According to specialists, a sea route may be prepared for navigation without damaging Sri Ram Setu, by removing the barren sand heaps near the village Mandapam between Rameshwaram and Dhanushkoti railway. This will not only provide a shorter route for navigation but also protect the oldest man-made heritage.
Important Significance Of Sri Rama Sethu In Vastu shastra of Bharatha India
According to Vasthu shatra (The Agni kon) the south east direction of any land is of great significance .This place is governed by Lord Agni The God of Fire so there must not be any water resource in this direction for the protection of land.
This South East direction of any land is always vulnerable to attacks by enemies so this direction must be protected by all means
Till the lanka of Ravana was not connected by the land of Bharatha, Ravana enjoyed the privilage of better Vasstu over Bharata an caused lots of destruction to Bharatha.
Lord Sri Rama knew this secret of Lanka , so being capable of drying the whole Ocean with one arrow Lord Sri Rama considerd better to construct a Setu (bridge) between Bharata & Lanka for the all time good to the land of Bharata .
Lord Sri rama orderd to construct a bridge in the South East Direction Agni Kon which connects the Bharata bhumi with Lanka.Thus making the Vastu of Bharata auspicious & more favorable.
Sri Ram Setu was construted by dumping million & millions of great mountains & rocks on the sea Each one with The Sacred Mantra “SRI RAM” written on it.
After the constrution of Sri Ram Setu by engineers of Gods Nal & Neel & Vaanar Sena the privilage of Vastu returned to Bharata .After the constrution of Setu Sri rama did Praan Pratishta of Sri Ram setu & worshipped Goddess Adi Shakti for Nine Nights( Navaratri) on the Sacred Setu. Pleased by the worship of Sri Rama Lord Shiva & Goddess Shakti showerd their blessings on Sri Rama Setu.
and Lanka of Ravana faced the ill effects of Bad Vastu and Ravana’s lanka Lost the Privilage of being better Vastu over Bharatha.
Worried Ravana being the Knower of many Shastra including the Vastu Shastra tried many ways to destroy Sri Ram Setu but was every time unsuccesful in his evil attempts.And after that History Kniows the rest that Ravana was defeated to dust.
After winning the War Lord Sri Rama with his wife Sri Sita worshipped Lord Shiva & Goddess Shakti , they made a Shiva lingam of sand & also requested Lord Shiva to reside eternally here so that entire mankind should benefit from it. Shiva then manifested himself as the Shiva Lingam and Shiva & Shakti got installed there for eternity.
SRI RAM SETU Google Earth Exclusive Images
Proof of Vastu Shastra in Recent History & past
Bharata was the super power in ancient times till the Sacred mount Kailash was a part of the Bharaata Bhumi in the (Eshaan Kon ) North East direction. Chinese being rationlists learnd the Vastu Shastra & applied on themseleves ,for this reason they conqured Tibet where the Holy Mount Kailas is situated.
Soviet Union was much powerful than USA before Alaska become the part of America.
There are many more examples one can get from the history that every developed & Super power Nations are applying our Vedic Knowledge of Bharat & making them practical.
From Ancient Times The Sacred SRI RAM SETU of our Lord Sri Rama is protecting our land Bhrata Bhumi it is for this reason that no other civiiztion could not even mark a trace except Bharthyia Sanatan Dharma Sanskruti on Earth.
All Saints from differnt hermitages & Hindu oganisations are making efforts to save Lord Rama’s bridge.Shankaracharyas of all four peeths decided to unite in a bid to save Lord Rama’s 17 ½ lakh year old bridge. Unite All Children Of Sanantana Hindu Dharma Save Sri Ram Setu,
JAI SRI RAM
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