Pamban Bridge: India’s First Sea Bridge – History, Facts & Travel Guide

Known to be India’s first sea bridge, the Pamban Bridge is an engineering marvel and one of its kind. Pamban Bridge is the bridge connecting the town of Rameswaram on Pamban Island to mainland India.

With 143 piers, spanning 2 kilometres between the mainland and the island, Pamban Bridge is the second longest sea bridge in India after the 2.3 kilometres long Bandra-Worli sea link in Mumbai’s western coast.

Pamban Bridge is located in Rameswaram which forms the south eastern tip of India. Rameswaram connects itself to mainland India through this century old sea bridge.

The Unique Design of Pamban Bridge

Pamban Bridge is the first cantilever bridge to be built. The double-leaf bascule section of the bridge was constructed a century ago, so that the ferry services are not interrupted. The bridge opens into two facilitating the ships and ferries to cross the Palk Strait that connects Rameswaram and Pamban Island. The splitting of the bridge is a breathtaking sight to marvel.

The bridge consists of over 140 spans with midway along the bridge (i.e 114th​ span) being called Scherzer span. The total length of the bridge is 2.057 kilometres. It has 145 spans of 12.20 metres steel girder and Scherzer navigational rolling lift span of 225 metres.

The Construction of Pamban Bridge

The construction of the rail bridge commenced by 1911 and was commissioned in February 24, 1914. German engineer Scherzer designed the central part of the bridge that opens up to allow ferry movement. On an average, 10 to 15 boats and small ships cross from beneath the bridge every month.

The cyclonic storm of 1964 that flattened the port town Dhanushkodi caused a huge damage to the bridge but the rolling life centre span was not damaged. Around 600 workers and 4000 tonnes of cement were used for the construction of the bridge.

Maintenance of the Bridge

The cyclone in 1964 led to a tragic train accident, after which the Indian Railways installed devices to check the wind velocity across the Pamban via duct. Train movement is halted on the bridge when the wind speed exceeds 58 kmph. The railway line on Pamban Bridge was converted from metre-gauge to broad-gauge in the year 2007.

Pamban Road Bridge – The Parallel Beauty!

Apart from the railway bridge, there is also a road bridge that connects Rameswaram to the mainland. Officially called the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, this bridge was opened in 1988 and runs parallel to the railway bridge. It is about 2.3 km long and offers breathtaking views of the ocean, fishing boats, and the railway bridge below.

Driving across this bridge is a thrilling experience, especially during sunrise or sunset when the golden light reflects off the water. The bridge is also a favorite spot for photographers and tourists who stop by to take in the scenic beauty. If you want the best view of the railway bridge, this road bridge is the perfect place to stop and watch the trains pass over the sea.

The New Pamban Bridge: India’s First Vertical Sea-Bridge

Recognizing the need for modernization, construction of a new Pamban Bridge commenced in February 2020. This contemporary structure, spanning 2,070 meters, features India’s first vertical lift mechanism, allowing sections to rise for maritime passage. Designed to accommodate double-track railway lines and future electrification, the new bridge stands 3 meters higher than its predecessor, enhancing both capacity and safety. As of September 2024, construction was completed, with trial runs conducted in October 2024. The bridge is slated to open for traffic on April 6, 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s infrastructural development. ​

How to Reach Pamban Bridge

The bridge is located 14.8 kilometres from Rameswaram. Public or private transport is available to Pamban Bridge from Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram. Rameswaram has its own railway station. The nearest airports are at Madurai, around 120 kilometres from Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi which is around 145 kilometres from Ramanathapuram.

Epilogue

Pamban Bridge is one of the prime attractions of Tamil Nadu. Take a ride over the fascinating Pamban Bridge for a thrilling experience. The bridge also offers a spectacular view of the sea, Rameswaram Island, Kunthukal Vivekananda Memorial and the nearby islands. One can also have a fun family time in the Children’s Park at Mandapam shore at the farther end of Pamban Bridge.

• Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial – Rameswaram
• Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
• Agni Theertham Beach
• Dhanushkodi

Agni Theertham Beach: A Sacred Pilgrimage Site

There are sixty-four ​Theerthams ​ (holy water bodies) in and around Rameswaram. Twenty-two of the ​Teerthams ​ are within the Ramanathaswamy Temple. Bathing in these Teerthams is considered equivalent to penance and forms a major aspect of the pilgrimage to Rameswaram. Each of the ​Theerthams ​ has its own significance.

The eastern sea shore opposite to the Ramanathaswamy Temple is Agni Theertham. Agni Theertham is​ ​considered to be the primary sea shore associated with the temple.

Discover the Spiritual Significance of Agni Theertham

As per the legend associated with the ​Theertham, Goddess Sita had to go through ​Agni Pariksha (ordeal in fire) to prove her chastity to Lord Rama. But being pure, sinless and chaste, the fire could not harm Goddess Sita. In order to wash his sin, having touched Goddess Sita, Lord Agni offered prayers to Lord Shiva and took a dip in the sea. This place has come to be known as Agni Theertham.

The Rituals and Beliefs Associated with Agni Theertham

• The word ​Agni ​ means fire in Sanskrit and ​Theertham ​ means holy water. Agni Theertham is regarded as a sacred pilgrimage centre among the Hindus.
• Devotees visiting the Theertham offer their prayers to the deity and take a dip in the holy waters for atonement of their sins.
• Sacred rituals that include rituals for the ancestors (​Tharpanam) are performed by the devotees in Agni Theertham.
• Bathing in the holy water on full moon and new moon days is considered most auspicious.
• Agni Theertham is the only Theertham of the ramanathaswamy Temple which is located outside the temple complex.

How to reach Agni Theertham

Rameswaram bus stand is just 3 kilometres away from Agni Theertham. You could take a bus or even hire an auto rickshaw to reach there. The nearest railhead is at Rameswaram, 3 kilometres away.

Rameswaram is well connected by road and rail with Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy and other important cities. The 2.3 kilometres long Indira Gandhi Road Bridge (popularly called Pamban Bridge) connects Mandapam (a place on Indian mainland) with Pamban (fisherman town in Rameswaram). The nearest airport is at Madurai, 163 kilometres from Rameswaram.

Near by Tourist Attractions to Agni Theertham Beach:

• Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
• Dhanushkodi
• Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial – Rameswaram
• Kunthukal Beach
• Pamban Bridge

Overview of Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram

Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on Rameswaram Island in Ramanathapuram district. The temple has been built in Dravidian style of architecture.

Ramanathaswamy Temple forms a prominent pilgrimage centre for followers of Hinduism.

The Legend behind Ramanathaswamy Temple

The presiding deity of the temple, Lord Shiva venerated as Ramanathaswamy in ​Lingam ​form, is believed to have installed and worshipped by Lord Rama.

According to the Indian epic Ramayana, Lord Rama (the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu) prayed to Lord Shiva for the absolution of his sins committed during his war against the demon king Ravana of Sri Lanka. Lord Rama directed his devotee Hanuman to bring a ​lingam from Himalayas. When Hanuman delayed in bringing the ​lingam, a small lingam was made out of sand by Sita, the consort of Lord Rama on the shores of Rameswaram. This is believed to be the lingam in the sanctum.

The Architecture of Ramanathaswamy Temple

The establishment of the temple from a thatched shed to the present structure is mainly attributed to the ​Setupatis ​of Ramanathapuram.

The sanctum of the temple has two lingams – ​Ramalingam ​ that was built by Sita from sand, resides as the main deity and ​Vishwalingam ​ brought by Hanuman from Kailash.

The temple has high compound walls on all four sides with huge towers to the east and west and finished gate towers to the north and south. The temple interior has striking long corridors. The outer set of corridors is regarded to be the longest in the world having 1212 pillars. The Rajagopuram ​ (temple tower) is 53 metres tall. The temple consists of various halls namely Anuppu Mandapam, Sukravara Mandapam, Setupati Mandapam, Kalyana Mandapam and Nandi Mandapam.

The temple houses separate shrines for Ramanathaswamy and his consort Goddess Parvathavardhini separated by a corridor. Shrines of Goddess Vishalakshi, Parvathavardhini, Subramanya, Nataraja, Hanuman, Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha can also be found inside the temple.

Interesting Facts about Rameswaram Ramanthaswamy Temple

• Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the twelve ​Jyothirlinga ​ temples and one of the 274 ​Paadal Petra Sthalams. Three of the most revered ​Nayanars ​ (Saivite saints) – Appar, Sundarar and Tirugnana Sambandar have glorified the temple with their songs. The temple is one of the holy ​Char Dham ​ (four divine sites), the other three being Badrinath, Puri and Dwaraka.
• The temple boasts of its corridor with a 197-metre span from East to West and a 133-metre span from South to North, making it the longest one in Asia.
• As was instructed by Lord Rama, ​Vishwalingam ​ (brought by Hanuman from Kailash) is worshipped first even today.
• The Maratha kings who had ruled Thanjavur established rest houses throughout Rameswaram and Mayiladuthurai and donated them to the temple.
• It is believed that no Hindu devotee’s journey is complete without a pilgrimage to Varanasi and Rameswaram as a step towards attainment of salvation.

The Sacred 22 Holy Theerthams

There are sixty-four ​Theerthams (holy water bodies) in and around Rameswaram; ​Agni Theertham ​ considered to be the primary seashore associated with the temple. Twenty-two (22) of the ​Teerthams ​ are within the Ramanathaswamy Temple. Bathing in these Theerthams is considered equivalent to penance and forms a major aspect of the pilgrimage to Rameswaram. Each of the ​Theerthams ​ has its own significance. Temple Timings The temple is open in the morning from ​5:00 AM to 1:00 PM​ and in the evening from ​3:00 PM to 9:00 PM​.

The Rituals and Pujas at Rameshwaram Temple

Ramanathaswamy Temple Festivals

The prominent festivals observed in the temple are:

• Maha Sivarathri – 10 days festival during the Tamil month of Maasi (February-March)
• Vasanthotsavam – 10 days festival during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June)
• Ramalinga Prathishtai – 3 days festival during the Tamil month of Aani (June-July)
• Thirukalyanam – 17 days festival during the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August)
• Navarathri – 10 days festival during the Tamil month of Purattasi (September-October)
• Kantha Sashti – 6 days festival during the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November)
• Aarudhra Darshanam – 10 days festival during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January)

How to reach Rameswaram

Rameswaram is well connected by road and rail with Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy and other important cities. The 2.3 kilometres long Indira Gandhi Road Bridge (popularly called Pamban Bridge) connects Mandapam (a place on Indian mainland) with Pamban (fisherman town in Rameswaram). The city bus stand is at a distance of around 2 kilometres from Ramanathaswamy Temple. Rameswaram has a railway station, about 1.3 kilometres from the temple. The nearest airport is at Madurai, 163 kilometres from Rameswaram.

Epilogue

Ramanathaswamy Temple is a holy paradise for devotees and an ideal delight for tourists. With its architectural grandeur, imposing temple tower, magnificent long corridors, aesthetically carved pillars and holy water bodies purifying mind and soul, the temple attracts millions of pilgrims every year.

Tips for Visiting Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple

Temple Rituals:

• Holy Bath: Take a dip in the sacred waters of the 22 holy theerthams, believed to purify the soul.
• Main Darshan: Seek the blessings of Lord Ramanatha Swamy at the main shrine.
• Pujas and Offerings: Participate in various pujas and offer prayers.

Temple Etiquette:

• Respectful Behavior: Maintain silence and a respectful demeanor within the temple premises.
• Photography Restrictions: Mobile phone is strictly not allowed inside the temple.
• Queue Discipline: Follow the queue system and wait patiently for your turn.

Exploring the Complex:

• Holy Wells: Visit the 22 holy wells, each with its own significance.
• Ramanathaswamy Temple: Admire the magnificent architecture and intricate carvings.
• Other Temples: Explore nearby temples like the Hanuman Temple and the Kothandarama Swamy Temple.

Local Cuisine:

• Vegetarian Options: Enjoy vegetarian dishes influenced by South Indian cuisine.
• Seafood Delights: Indulge in fresh seafood delicacies.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your pilgrimage to Ramanathaswamy Temple and immerse yourself in its spiritual significance.

Tourist Attractions near Rameswaram:

• Agni Theertham Beach
• Dhanushkodi
• APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial – Rameswaram
• Kunthukal Beach
• Pamban Bridge