Kothanda-Ramaswamy Temple

The Kothanda-Ramaswamy Temple at Rameshwaram is a shrine dedicated to Bhagwan Ram. The temple is classified one among the 108 Abhiman Kshetram of Viashnavate tradition. This temple is located at a distance of 13 kilometres from Rameswaram Temple and is easily accessible. The temple has the deities of Rama, Lakshaman, Sita, Hanuman and Vibhishan The temple is surrounded by sea and remains a tourist attraction. Rama, the main idol, is depicted as having a bow which is Kothandam in Tamil, and hence the name Kothanda - Ramaswamy for the idol.

The temple is the only historical structure to survive the 1964 cyclone that washed away Dhanushkodi. It is estimated to have been constructed about 500-1000 years ago.  The temple is believed to be the place where Vibhishan, the younger brother of Ravana, asked Rama and his Vanara army for refuge. According to this tradition, after the abduction of Sita, Vibhishana advised Ravana to return her to Rama. However, Ravana did not listen to the advice, which led to Vibhishana joining Rama's side. It is also said that after the killing of Ravana, Rama performed the "Pattabhishekam” for Vibhishana at this place to make him king of Lanka. The story is depicted in painting across the walls inside the temple.

Swami Vivekanand is said to have visited the place after his historic trip to Chicago.