Facts About Ram Setu: The Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals that stretches between India and Sri Lanka. The bridge is said to have been built by the Hindu god Rama, as described in the ancient Indian epic Ramayana. The bridge has been a source of religious and historical significance for many centuries, and has been the subject of much debate and speculation. In this article, we will explore 32 facts about the Ram Setu that will help you understand its significance and its place in history.
Ram Setu: Uncovering 32 lesser-known facts about the ancient bridge
- Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals located in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka.
- According to Hindu mythology, the bridge was built by the monkey-god Hanuman and his army to transport Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana to Lanka in order to rescue Sita from the demon king, Ravana.
- The bridge is made of small limestone shoals, measuring roughly 1 km (0.62 mi) wide and 32 km (20 mi) long.
- The Indian government claims that the limestone shoals are man-made, while some scientists have argued that they are a natural formation.
- In 2007, the Indian government proposed a project to dredge a shipping canal through Ram Setu, sparking controversy and protests from various religious and environmental groups.
- The bridge is consider as an important historical, archaeology and cultural monument for Hindu and sikh religion
- The bridge is also consider as a submerged structure .
- The stretch of sea between Rameshwaram in India and Mannar Island in Sri Lanka has a width of about 30 km and is called Palk Strait. This strait is part of the Laccadive Sea.
- The Ram Setu is also known as Rama's Bridge, Rama Setu, or Adam's Bridge.
- The Indian government's proposed project, called Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project, was intended to create a navigable waterway by dredging a shipping canal through the shoals, however, due to the archaeological importance of the bridge and the objections from religious groups, the project has been put on hold.
- The bridge is made up of limestone, also known as kankar and is composed mainly of calcium carbonate.
- According to some geologists, Ram Setu is a natural formation, and it could be a remnant of a former land connection between India and Sri Lanka that existed during the Ice Age.
- In November 2007, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) submitted a report to the Indian government stating that Ram Setu is a natural formation, rather than a man-made structure.
- The Ram Setu is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, and thousands of devotees visit the bridge each year.
- Many researchers considered it as a crucial point in understanding the marine geology, ecology, biodiversity and coastal zone management of the region
- The bridge is also considered as an important navigation point for ships passing through the Palk Strait.
- Ram Setu is an important part of Ramayana, one of the two major Sanskrit epic of ancient India and is considered an important religious and cultural heritage by Hindus.
- Some scholars also believe that the bridge could have been an important trade route in ancient times and it could have played an important role in cultural exchange between India and Sri Lanka.
- A number of studies have been done by various organizations to study the ancientness, age and the structure of the bridge.
- In 2017, Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkamal equipped with modern technology such as side scan sonar and multi-beam echo-sounder did a detailed study of Ram Setu which showed it to be a natural formation.
- Some Hindu groups also claims that there are several ancient temples and religious structures located on the bridge.
- There are several myths and legends associated with the bridge and its formation in Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist cultures.
- The bridge is also connected to ancient maritime trade, navigation and the spread of Hindu culture.
- The Ram Sethu has also been a subject of spiritual and political debate in India, with some religious groups calling for the government to declare the bridge as a protected site, while others say that it is scientifically proven to be a natural formation and should not be protected.
- The bridge has also been mentioned in various ancient Indian texts, including the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Sangam literature.
- According to Hindu tradition, Lord Rama built the bridge to cross over to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.
- The bridge is also believed to be a site of ancient pilgrimage, and there are several shrines and temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Hanuman on the Indian coast.
- The bridge has been a site of many folktales and is considered a sacred site by many.
- It is believed that there are several precious stones and natural resources, including gold and diamond, buried under the shoals.
- The Palk Strait is considered a unique and important region for marine biodiversity, and the Ram Setu is home to many rare and endangered species of plants and animals.
- The bridge also holds a considerable ecological significance as it acts as a natural barrier protecting the coast of India from the strong currents and tsunamis in the Bay of Bengal.
- The bridge is not just limited to India and Sri Lanka, but also the surrounding countries, regionally and globally it is considered an important cultural heritage, a significant point of study in marine geology, archaeology and coastal zone management, and also a tourist spot.
In conclusion, the Ram Setu is a fascinating and mysterious structure that has been the subject of much debate and speculation throughout history. Whether it is a natural formation or an ancient engineering marvel, the bridge holds a significant place in the religious and cultural history of India and Sri Lanka. The 32 facts discussed in this article offer a glimpse into the many stories and legends that surround the Ram Setu, and demonstrate the enduring fascination that this bridge holds for people all over the world.
0 Comments