Rameshwaram is an island hallowed by the epic Ramayana. A devotee who visits Varanasi is also expected to visit this place in order to gain the full fruit of his prayers. Legend has it that Sri Rama sent Hanuman to Mount Kailash to bring a lingam for worship, when he set for worship, Sita made a sand lingam so that the worship could be performed in time. This place therefore, is sacred to both Shaivites and Vaishnavities. Rameshwaram is also one of the major marine food centers in the south, with much of its fish and prawn catch being exported. The Closest airport is at Madurai, 173 km. Two trains connect Rameshwaram to Madurai and other parts of South India. An Indo-Norwegian fisheries project is functioning at Mandapam for the development of the fishing industry. Rameshwaram is connected by regular bus services to Kaniyakumari , and Chennai. The present Ramanatha Swamy Temple is close to the sea on the eastern side of the island, famous for its magnificent corridors and the massive sculptured pillars lining them. Gandhamadana Parvatam ,This stepped mandapam, about a mile and a half west of Rameswaram temple, offers an excellent view of the countryside. The Perumal Temple. in Ramanathapuram is about 55 km from Rameswaram