MYSTERIOUS STORY OF RAM SETU

Ram Setu Bridge: Mythological significance

Ram Setu was first mentioned in Valmiki’s Ramayana, a Hindu epic. The Ramsethu bridge is believed to have been built by Lord Rama’s Vanara Sena, with instructions from Nala, for Lord Ram to reach Lanka to rescue his wife Sita. According to legend, the bridge was built using floating stones, with name of Lord Rama engraved on it, which made it unsinkable. Apparently, Lord Rama prayed to the ocean, for a path from India to Lanka, so that he could go and rescue Sita from the clutches of Ravana, the king of Lanka.

As per Ramayana, 7th century BCE to 3rd century CE, the Ram Setu bridge was constructed by lord Ram, with the help of an army of Vanaras (monkeys), led by Lord Hanuman, to reach Lanka. 

Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals between Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island, off the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka. According to Hindu mythology, Ram Setu is associated with the epic Ramayana, which narrates the story of Lord Rama.

Introduction of Ramayana: The Ramayana, one of the ancient Indian epics attributed to the sage Valmiki, tells the story of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of the god Vishnu. It recounts Rama's life, his exile, the abduction of his wife Sita by the demon king Ravana, and Rama's quest to rescue her.

Lord Rama's Exile: Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and loyal brother Lakshmana, is sent into exile for fourteen years as per his father King Dasharatha's promise to his wife Kaikeyi. During their exile, they face various challenges, leading to the eventual abduction of Sita by Ravana.

Hanuman's Search for Sita: Rama forms an alliance with Sugriva, the monkey king, and his army, including the devoted Hanuman. Hanuman's search for Sita takes him to Lanka, where he finds her captive in Ravana's garden. He conveys Rama's message of hope and his intention to rescue her.

Building the Army and Preparing for War: Rama, along with Sugriva, Hanuman, and an army of monkeys, prepares for war against Ravana to rescue Sita. The monkeys construct a bridge to reach Lanka, and Hanuman plays a crucial role in various episodes, showcasing his strength and devotion.

Nala's Engineering Marvel - Ram Setu: Nala, a skilled and divine architect, plays a pivotal role in the construction of the bridge, known as Ram Setu. Lord Rama seeks the help of the sea god Varuna, who agrees to assist by making the stones float. The bridge is built by placing these floating stones across the ocean.

Hanuman's Role in Building the Bridge: Hanuman, with his immense strength and devotion, contributes significantly to the construction of the bridge. He carries mountains with medicinal herbs to treat wounded monkeys and helps in transporting stones for the bridge.

Bridge Completion and March to Lanka: The construction of Ram Setu is completed, providing a path for Rama and his army to reach Lanka. The army, consisting of monkeys and bears, marches across the bridge to confront Ravana and rescue Sita.

The Battle of Lanka: A fierce battle ensues between Rama's forces and Ravana's army. Lord Rama eventually defeats Ravana in combat, rescues Sita, and returns to Ayodhya, marking the end of the exile and the triumph of good over evil.

Return to Ayodhya and Coronation: Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman, along with their allies, return to Ayodhya. Rama is crowned as the king, and the citizens celebrate his homecoming and the victory of righteousness.

Legacy of Ram Setu: Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge, becomes a symbol of divine intervention, determination, and the power of righteousness. The story of Ram Setu is revered in Hindu mythology and continues to be a source of inspiration for millions of people. The tale of Lord Rama's journey, his challenges, and the construction of the bridge serve as a timeless narrative of duty, devotion, and the victory of good over evil.

Ram Setu in science view :-

Ram Setu Bridge (Adam’s Bridge): Proven facts

• Ram Setu or Adam’s Bridge is a structure akin to a causeway, connecting Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu to Mannar Island in Sri Lanka.
• The total length of the bridge is approximately 50 kms. Adam’s Bridge also separates the Gulf of Mannar from the Palk Strait. Some of the sandbanks are dry.  The sea around this structure is very shallow, ranging from three ft to 30 ft deep.
• According to several scientific reports, the bridge was completely above sea level till 1480 but was damaged by a cyclone that hit the area. Till the 15th century, ram setu distance was passable on foot until the channel deepened.
• After the cyclone struck the region, even ships can no longer navigate in this sea stretch in the Indian Ocean, known as the Palk Strait, as the seabed is too low. However, hundreds of years later, the thin land strip re-emerged from the water, leading to the creation of several small islands and sand banks, redefining the geography of Asia.

What NASA says about Ram Setu?

According to NASA and images captured by satellite, there are a naturally occurring chain of sandbanks. It says that the photos taken by its astronauts do not prove the existence or otherwise of a man-made bridge, as specified in the Ramayana.

Is Ram Setu really man-made?

There are a lot of studies to know if Rama Setu is real and researches that are trying to understand the true nature of this structure. Recently, Raj Bhagat Palanichamy, who works as a GIS and remote sensing analyst at World Resources Institute, tweeted satellite animations explaining the formations between India and Sri Lanka.