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Ram Setu, an ancient bridge, also known as Adam's Bridge, stretches across the waters between India and Sri Lanka and has been shrouded in mystery for centuries. From its possible origins in the epic Ramayana to the scientific debates about its formation, Ram Setu is a marvel that bridges faith, history, and science. Join us as we explore the enigmatic allure of this legendary causeway, delving into its many names, its walkable past, and the ambitious projects that surround it. Whether a divine construct or a natural phenomenon, Ram Setu continues to intrigue and inspire, holding within its stones the secrets of an ancient world waiting to be rediscovered.
The debate about whether the Palk Strait is natural or a man-made bridge is going on from years. Many discussions have led to some interesting things that make us astonished about Ram Setu.
Ram Setu or Rama's Bridge is a causeway that is created across the sea connecting Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu to Mannar Island in Sri Lanka. Scientific studies have determined that the Palk Strait is a natural bridge formed by limestone shoals.
However, the Hindu religious theories believe that it is the bridge constructed by Lord Rama and his Vanara (monkey) army as mentioned in the epic Ramayana. Surprisingly, this causeway is visible from an aerial view even to this day.
The whole issue of Ram Setu is mysterious and that makes us to talk about it even more!
1. Who Constructed It?
According to Hindu mythology, it was built by Lord Rama with the help Vanara (monkey) army.
He had to construct this bridge to reach Sri Lanka as his wife Sita was kidnapped and was imprisoned there. Surprisingly, the time of Ramyana ( 5000 BCE) and the carbon analysis of the bridge sync properly.
Photo Courtesy: http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov
2. Is it Man-Made
We can confirm a mythology only through the historical evidence. Some believe Ram Setu is the only archaeological and historical evidence of Ramayana.
The detailing of the construction in the epic can be related to some scientific theories. However, it is hard to believe everything through a mythological perspective.
Photo Courtesy: Abhimanyu
3. Walkable Bridge
It is said that Rama's bridge was above the sea level. Even some historical records suggest that it was walkable till the 15th century. Even theestimated depth is around 3 - 30 ft in the area of this causeway.
Photo Courtesy: PlaneMad
4. What's With So Many Names!
Ram Setu is also called as Adam's Bridge, Nala Setu and Setu Banda. Ram Setu as it was built by Rama and his army. It is said Nala Setu because it was Nala who was the architect (designed) the bridge in Ramayana.
The name Adam's Bridge comes from some ancient Islamic texts referring to the Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka (Adam is suppose to fallen in this part of earth).
Photo Courtesy: anjaneya_veer
5. The Reefs of Palk Strait
Scientific studies reveal that it is a linear sequence of coral reefs or the limestone reefs. According to science, it is a naturally formed causeway which connects the Pambam Island to Mannar Island.
Photo Courtesy: Nataraja~commonswiki
6. Round About For Ships!
Eventhough, the Adam's Bridge is inside the water the ships cannot sail on it. The water here is shallow with the level of depth varying at certain points. Hence, ships from India have to take another round about route to reach Sri Lanka.
Photo Courtesy: Ajay Goyal
7. Mysterious & Surprising
The studies of Oceanography suggests that the bridge is 7000 years old. Interestingly, the carbon dating of beaches near Dhanushkodi and Mannar Island sync with the date of Ramayana.
Photo Courtesy: Nsmohan
8. Ambitious Setu Samudram Project
Setu Samudram Project is a proposed bridge to build over the Palk Strait. The idea is to have a short-cut route from Pamban Island to Mannar Island in Sri Lanka.
Photo Courtesy: Ravichandar84
9. Religious Uproar Against Setu Samudram Project
Hindus believe that Ram Setu is a holy site and hence no other man-made bridge should be constructed over it.
As seen from science perspective, this might destroy the natural reefs which has existed in the sea from a long time.
Photo Courtesy: M.Mutta
10. Interesting Floating Stones
Ramayana mentions that the Setu Banda was constructed with floating stones. Surprisingly, such floating stones are scattered across Rameswaram even to this day.
Scientific theories suggest that some volcanic rocks do float in water. This might explain the linear formation of rocks which form this bridge.
Photo Courtesy: Neechalkaran
11. Man Versus Natural
To think about it as man-made is rather interesting. Looking at its depth, it is possible that Ram Setu was once above the sea level. It is also possible that the rise of sea level over the years has submerged this causeway.
In nature's perspective, it is rather exciting to see such a long formation of reefs which have existed for so many years.
Photo Courtesy: M.Mutta
