The Skanda Purana asserts that Dhanushkodi will remain a place of spiritual significance as long as the world exists.
Meaning of Dhanushkodi - Curved end of the bow.
The story of how the place was named Dhanushkodi
This story is a part of the Ramayana, one of the great epics of ancient India. After Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, Vibheeshana, crowned the king of Lanka, expressed his concern that the bridge (Rama Setu) built by Lord Rama and his army might be used by other rulers to invade Lanka.
To address this concern, Lord Rama dismantled the bridge with his divine powers, ensuring that Lanka would remain protected from potential invasions.
DHANUSHKODI - THE LAND'S END OF INDIA
Dhanushkodi and the Glory of Setu
The glory of the Sacred placed Dhanushkodi (Setu) given here are taken from Brahma Kanda from Skanda Purana. The narration by Sage Suta to other Scholars and Rishis at Naimisaranyam Forest is covered in this section containing 52 chapters highlighting the holiness and sanctity of Dhanushkodi and its waters.
Rama Setu - Built by Lord Ram
Dhanushkodi, often referred to as the "Ghost Town," is a place steeped in myth, history, and spiritual significance. According to the Skanda Purana, one of the ancient Hindu texts, this region holds a special place, primarily due to its connection with the legendary Rama Setu (Referred as Adam's Bridge by the Western World), which is believed to have been built by the Vanara army under the guidance of Lord Rama. -Chapter 2 - The construction of Setu, Brahma Kanda Skanda Puranam
Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Uma, Lakshmi and Saraswati are always present in Dhanushkodi Theertha. By performing penance in Dhanushkodi, Devas & Sages attain great Siddhis as a present thereof.
Lord Krishna at Dhanushkodi
Sage Narada advised Lord Krishna to take a dip at Dhanushkodi for killing his uncle, King Kamsa. Dhanushkodi Theertha is considered the holiest of all the Theerthas, including Ganga & Yamuna.
-Verse 89-100, Chapter 27 - The glory of Koti Theertha, Brahma kanda of Skanda Puranam.
Mythological connection with Lord Shiva
After the construction of the Setu, Lord Rama is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva at the very end of Dhanushkodi, making it a confluence of Vaishnavite and Shaivite traditions. This act of reverence by Lord Rama is believed to have infused the land of Dhanushkodi with divine energy, making it a place of immense spiritual power. Chapter 49 - Euology of Ramanatha- of the Setu-mahatmya of the Brahma-khanda of the Skanda Purana.
According to the Skanda Purana, the Setu is not just a physical structure but a spiritual path that offers liberation (moksha) to those who undertake the pilgrimage with a pure heart. A mere glimpse of this sacred bridge or a dip in the waters surrounding it is believed to cleanse one's sins and grant blessings equivalent to performing several yajnas (sacrificial rituals).
Taking a dip in the waters of Dhanushkodi cleanses the soul, grants immense spiritual merit, and ultimately leads one towards liberation.
Chapter 2 - The Glory of Setu; Brahma Kanda Skanda Puranam
Purification of Sins
“One who bathes in the waters of the Setu Bandha is freed from all sins. The waters of the Setu are like nectar, and even the mere touch of these waters purifies a person and grants liberation.”
Attainment of Moksha
A dip in the sacred waters of Setu Bandha is equivalent to performing thousands of Ashvamedha Yajnas. Such a bath bestows upon the devotee the highest merit, leading to moksha
Connection with Divine
The Skanda Purana also highlights the divine origin of these waters, stating that they are blessed by Lord Rama himself. Bathing in them is said to confer the grace of Lord Rama,
GLORY OF DHANUSHKODI
A Gateway to Moksha for Ancestors
The waters of Dhanushkodi said to be blessed by Lord Rama, are considered incredibly potent for the pitru rituals (Ancestor Worship).
Sacred place for performing Pitru Tarpana
Dhanushkodi is one of the three places Lord Rama chose for the people to offer pitru tarpana. It is considered as Pitru Moksha Sthala ( Gateway for Moksha), according to the Skanda Purana. The text suggests that performing Pitru Tarpana at a place so closely connected to Lord Rama’s divine mission enhances the efficacy of the rituals. The powerful vibrations from the Setu are believed to carry the prayers and offerings directly to the ancestors, ensuring their blessings on the descendants.
These waters, sanctified by their association with the Rama Setu, are believed to purify both the person performing the ritual and the souls of the ancestors. The Purana mentions that a single drop of water offered here with faith and devotion can provide immense relief to the souls in the afterlife, guiding them toward liberation.
What is the power of doing pitru rituals at Dhanushkodi?
Offering of respects and feeding the ancestors
By offering Pindam(rice balls) to Pitrus at Dhanushkodi, Pitrus (Ancestors) will be contented for a Kalpa ( One day in the life of Brahmā,) lasting 4 billion 320 million years; equivalent to one thousand Divya-yugas -Sage Suta, Brahma Kanda, Chapter 30- Skanda Purana
ANNAPRASADHAM (SACRED OFFERING OF FOOD)
A single offering made at the Setu (Dhanushkodi) is equivalent to performing rituals at thousands of other sacred places” (Setu Mahatmya, Skanda Purana)
Feeding the hungry and offering charity at sacred sites like Setu Bandha (Dhanushkodi) pleases the ancestors immensely. Such acts of compassion are seen as offerings to the ancestors, ensuring their satisfaction and blessings.
Dhanushkodi, as described in the Skanda Purana, is more than just a geographical location; it is a spiritual conduit through which devotees can connect with their ancestors and seek their blessings. The rituals performed here, especially Pitru Tarpana, are believed to hold immense spiritual power, helping the souls of the departed attain peace and liberation.
For those seeking to honour their lineage and ensure the well-being of their ancestors in the afterlife, you can take part in offering Annaprasadham (Sacred offering of food) at Dhanushkodi through our trust, which is serving Daily Annaprasadham near the Sacred Site - Rama Setu.
Annadhanam by our trust at Dhanushkodi
Every day, whether rain or shine, volunteers from the trust embody the spirit of service by offering annadhanam to all seeking nourishment, sustenance, and solace. Their selfless dedication knows no bounds as they tirelessly prepare and distribute meals, ensuring that hunger is met with compassion and care.
Kodi Swamigal Thava Bhoomi
It is the only place where pure vegetarian food without onion and garlic is served with devotion daily in the remotest 21 km stretch from Rameswaram to the Dhanushkodi endpoint.
Daily ritual at Kodi Swamigal Thava Bhoomi, Dhanushkodi
The prasadham is offered to Kodi Thatha as Padayal to the Ocean every day at 12 Noon. All devotees, and visitors to the temple are then served the Annaprasadham (Sacred offering of food) in the Thava bhoomi Annadhanam hall.
Join us and be part of this sacred offering of Annaprasadham at Dhanushkodi. Seek your ancestors' blessings.