Ram Setu: Bridging Myth with Reality
The History and Archaeology Behind India’s Mythologized Bridge
In the southern tip of India, lies a bridge of rocks connecting Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka. Worshipped as a holy site, the myth of Ram Setu plays an important role in Hindu beliefs.
Despite the story being well-known in Hinduism, its history is rarely taught outside of Desi communities.
A Bridge of Many Names
While the bridge is commonly referred to by its name Ram Setu, there are several other names often attributed to it.
In the realm of Hinduism, other common names given to the bridge include Setu Banda and Nala Setu. The latter refers to the architect, Nala, of the bridge.
Jumping over to Islam, many Muslims claim that the bridge was created by the first man, Adam. Because of that, it is also given the name Adam’s Bridge by Muslims.
Who was Lord Rama?
According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Rama (Shri Ram) is recognized as the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, the god of Preservation and part of the Trimurti.
