Adam's Bridge

ESA Earth Online - earth.esa.int

Adam's bridge, also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu, is a 48 km long chain of limestone shoals, separating the Gulf of Mannar (south-west) and the Palk Strait (north-east). Geological evidence indicates that it was a former land link between south-east India, Pamban Island, and north-west Sri Lanka, Mannar Island. As per records of the Rameshwaram Temple, the Adam's Bridge was completely above sea level until it was destroyed by a cyclone in 1480. The land has now re-emerged from the sea, creating several islets.

Wrapped in diverse opinions and theories, the origin and nature of the Adam's bridge is a bit of a mystery even today. Some believe that the bridge was man-made, considering its unique curvature and composition, whereas some prefer to believe that it is natural.

Hindus believe that the history of the Adam’s bridge corresponds with the Ramayana, an ancient Indian Sanskrit. The Ramayana mentions a bridge constructed by King Rama, through his Vanara (intelligent warrior monkeys) army, to rescue his wife Sita, who was held captive in Lanka by the demon king, Ravana.

Whereas according to Islamic beliefs, it is said that Adam crossed the bridge from India to Sri Lanka to reach a mountain, now known to be Adam’s Peak, where he stood repentant in one foot for 1,000 years.

Though there has not been a definite theory put forward, the various mythical beliefs behind the origin of the bridge only add up to the grandeur of this marvelous attraction.