It is one of the only buildings left standing after the 1964 Dhanushkodi cyclone destroyed the local railway station and town.
The name 'Kodanda Ramar' refers to the version of Lord Rama who carries the 'Kodanda' bow.
The temple stands on the narrow strip of land that historically connected India to Sri Lanka via Adam's Bridge.
The site is often referred to as the Vibhishana Sharanagati Sthalam, marking his surrender to Rama.
The Kodanda Ramar Temple is a historic Hindu shrine situated on a sandbar island near Dhanushkodi in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. It is uniquely located amidst the ruins of the ghost town of Dhanushkodi, surrounded by the waters of the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Mannar. According to local belief, this site marks the location where Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana, first surrendered to Lord Rama. The temple is one of the few structures that survived the catastrophic 1964 cyclone which decimated the surrounding Dhanushkodi settlement. The modest shrine houses idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman. Its location offers a desolate, panoramic view of the confluence of two seas.
The path leading to the temple with the backdrop of the sea on both sides.
Bring adequate water and sun protection as there is no shade on the island.
Hire a local jeep from Rameswaram to navigate the sandy road leading to the temple.
Check local weather warnings before visiting, as high tides can occasionally restrict access to the Dhanushkodi tip.
Do not attempt to walk across the sand dunes in standard street footwear; use sturdy sandals.
Remove footwear before entering the temple; modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required.
