“Ram Setu” a natural bridge chain of shoals between India and Sri lanka. The bridge starts from Pamban Island, Tamil Nadu, to Mannar Island, Sri Lanka. There have been numerous debates and controversies over the claims of Setu. For Hindus RamSetu is a symbol of true love crafted by Lord Ram. But, science has other aspects to see the Ram Setu bridge. Scientists often come up with their theories about the Ram setu. And this blog is going to be about covering most of the relevant and current updates on RamSetu bridge.
Ram Setu History
The historical part of the Ram Setu is a topic of debate among the people. For Hindus as evidence of the epic religious story ‘Ramayana’. While some say it’s a natural bridge formed by the reaches, not a man-made structure. Here we have mentioned both perspectives about Ram Setu.
From Religious Perspective
As per hindu scriptures the Ram Setu was built by Nal and Nil who were with Lord Shree Ram. The purpose of building the bridge across the ocean was that Shree Ram wanted to cross the ocean to reach Sri Lanka. And fight ‘Ravan’ to save Mata Sita. While Nal and Nil were the Vanars who laid each stone in the ocean to form a bridge.
Another religious claim of RamSetu comes from Islam, according to Islamic legends the bridge was the pathway for ‘Adam’ who fell from the Garden of Eden. The point he fell is said to be Adam’s peak and as per the story Adam used the bridge to cross the ocean.
From Science Perspective
As per science RamSetu is not a man-made structure, It is formed due to movements in tectonic plates. Some theories also suggest that Sri Lanka was part of India and separated from the mainland about 1,25,000 years ago.
ASI Research on Ram Setu
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) proposed the idea to research RamSetu bridge from a science point of view. They said it will be significant research in Indian history and maybe by the research they can get the information about the age of the Bridge. So, it would be also good from religious perspectives that they’ll be able to know when Ramyana happened on earth.
In 2007 ASI submitted the report of the investigation they did while researching. They stated that there is no evidence found about RamSetu to be a Man-made structure.
Cultural Significance of Ram Setu
For Hindu religion RamSetu holds significance as it is believed to be part of ‘Ramayana’. Lord Shree is one of the most important and admired gods in hinduism. And the legend of Ramayana shows the love & devotion, shows the husband’s love for his wife. Love for brothers & his devotees. So as part of the legendary tail it holds a significant place in the heart of people who follow hindu religion.
Other Names of Ram Setu
The ramSetu is called by many other names like- Setu Banda, Nala Setu and Asdam’s Bridge. We have already told you Adam’s story according to Islam. However, the other two names replicate the same story of ramayana. Nala comes from the name of elder Vanara brother Nal. And Setu Banda means the bridge constructed by Varnara.
Ram Setu’s Floating Stones?
In Ramayana the setu was made by floating stones. And even in the present some stones can be found floating on the surface of the ocean near ‘Rameshwaram’. Some scientific theories also claim that some volcanic stones can float on water. And by saying that they also indicated the possibility of bridge formation by natural process.
Controversies
In the past few decades Ram Setu has been surrounded by numerous controversies. Despite the Islamic interference, more things added up time by time and made it a topic of debate for everyone. We have mentioned the most popular ones in this section.
Sethusamudram Shipping Canal
In 2005, the Indian government approved a project named ‘Sethusamudram Shipping Canal’. The aim of the project is to make a ship channel across Palk Strait to decrease the travel distance of the ship by 400 Km.
Many hindu organizations and political parties opposed the idea of making a shipping canal through Ram Setu. They are mainly concerned that Ram Setu will get damaged which is a significant symbol of Ramayana.
Currently, in 2018 center assured the ‘Supreme Court of India’ that ram Setu will not be affected by the project.
Proposed Road & Rail Bridge Over Ram Setu
The ‘Palk Strait Bridge’ project to build a combined bridge over RamSetu road and rail bridge. The aim of the project is to establish good transportation between India and Sri lanka. However, because of the political barriers and instability. Currently there is nothing much to update about the project.
Some Interesting Facts
- It is believed to be true that RamSetu was fully accessible before the 15th century.
- According to scientists the RamSetu was formed around 7,000 years ago. And this is the same assumption of approximately years, when Ramayana believed to be happen
Final Thoughts
Ram Setu has a significant part of Hinduism religious beliefs. So, it would be really inappropriate to damage the heritage like that. However, some factors also mark out the need of projects like Pall bridge & Sethusamudram Shipping Canal. But, all of these things are under consideration. And we hope that some alternative will be found without damaging the Ram Setu.
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