Sundara Kaandam or the fifth canto of the epic Ramayana begins with the 'Vanar' minister, Hanuman taking a great leap across the ocean to reach the kingdom of Lanka. Prior to this the cantos tells the story of the four princes of Ayodhya. The eldest son of Dashratha, Rama accepted a 14 year long exile on the request of his father. His brother, Lakshmana, and his wife, Sita, accompanied him in his journey through the forests of the region.
It was on the banks of the River Godavari at Panchvati that the demon king, Ravana abducted Sita. Rama and his brother met the Vanar King, Sugriva and his escort, Hanuman while on the quest to find Sita. Sugriva had been exiled from his kingdom of Kishkindha by his brother. Rama helped him to regain his kingdom and in return he provided the prince with his army. The army traveled towards lanka and reached the Gandhamadhana Parvatha which is presently found in Rameshwaram.
The search party of monkeys camped near the Gandhamadhana Parvatha. After the return of Hanuman from Lanka the party returned to Kishkindha. The party headed towards the eastern coast where Rama performed the ritual and offered his prayers to Navagrahas. The ritual was performed in Devipattinam or Navapaashaanam of the present day. The battle between Rama's army and Ravana soon ensues. After the defeat of the demon King, Rama returns with his wife and brother to the shores of the present Rameshwaram.
On his return, Rama offers prayer to the Gods to absolve his sin of killing Ravana, the great grandson of Brahma. The Ramalinga stands in the region where the prince worshiped Lord Shiva. Rama created a fountain of pure water and took a bath in it to purify himself. This is present as the Kodi Theertha in Rameshwaram by the temple. Most of the other Theerthas or purifying baths in Rameshwaram have emerged by the holy touch of the feet of Lord Rama.
Last Updated on : 17/06/2013
