The European Space Agency (ESA) has released an image of the Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge, captured by its Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite. This chain of shoals stretches 48 km, connecting Rameswaram Island in India and Mannar Island in Sri Lanka. It separates the Gulf of Mannar from the Palk Strait.
The satellites carry an innovative wide swath high-resolution multispectral imager with 13 spectral bands and provide a new perspective of land and vegetation.
Formation and Historical Context of the Ram Setu
Numerous theories exist about the formation of Ram Setu. Geological evidence indicates these limestone shoals are remnants of a land bridge that once connected India and Sri Lanka. Historical records suggest this natural bridge was traversable until the 15th century, gradually eroding due to storms. The ESA noted, “Some of the sandbanks in the Ram Setu are dry, and the sea in this area is very shallow, ranging from only 1 to 10 meters deep.”
Ecological and Environmental Importance
Both ends of Ram Setu are part of protected national parks. The sand dunes serve as breeding grounds for birds like the brown noddy, while the shallow waters host various species of fish, seagrasses, dolphins, dugongs, and turtles. Mannar Island, covering around 130 square kilometers, is connected to mainland Sri Lanka by both road and railway bridges.
Cultural and Mythological Significance
Ram Setu holds significant cultural and mythological importance in India and Sri Lanka. Originally named Nala Setu after its architect Nala, it is prominently known as Ram Setu due to its association with the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to the legend, Hanuman and his Vanar Sena built the bridge using floating stones inscribed with Lord Rama’s name.
The Ramayana, written in the 8th century BC, mentions the bridge in its Yudha Kanda chapter. Hanuman describes, “Lanka is situated on the other side of the ocean, which is difficult of access, Oh Rama! It offers no passage for vehicles either and there is no proper communication from all sides.” Lord Rama responds, “By some way or other, let us cross the ocean. The city of Lanka should be assumed then as destroyed by the monkeys.”
Building of the Bridge
Faced with the challenge of crossing the ocean, Lord Rama suggests drying it up. Sagara, the Ocean King, proposes holding the bridge in position for safe passage. Under Nala's leadership, the bridge was constructed in five days with the help of millions of monkeys. “Some monkeys were holding poles for measuring the bridge and some others collected the material. Reeds and logs resembling clouds and mountains, brought by hundreds of monkeys, lead by the command of Rama, fastened some parts of the bridge,” describes Valmiki’s Ramayana.
Modern-Day Connections
On the Indian side, Rameswaram Island, also known as Pamban Island, is accessible via the 2-km-long Pamban Bridge. The island's main towns, Pamban and Rameswaram, support local communities and tourism.
(With inputs from TOI)
The satellites carry an innovative wide swath high-resolution multispectral imager with 13 spectral bands and provide a new perspective of land and vegetation.
Formation and Historical Context of the Ram Setu
Numerous theories exist about the formation of Ram Setu. Geological evidence indicates these limestone shoals are remnants of a land bridge that once connected India and Sri Lanka. Historical records suggest this natural bridge was traversable until the 15th century, gradually eroding due to storms. The ESA noted, “Some of the sandbanks in the Ram Setu are dry, and the sea in this area is very shallow, ranging from only 1 to 10 meters deep.”
Ecological and Environmental Importance
Both ends of Ram Setu are part of protected national parks. The sand dunes serve as breeding grounds for birds like the brown noddy, while the shallow waters host various species of fish, seagrasses, dolphins, dugongs, and turtles. Mannar Island, covering around 130 square kilometers, is connected to mainland Sri Lanka by both road and railway bridges.
Cultural and Mythological Significance
Ram Setu holds significant cultural and mythological importance in India and Sri Lanka. Originally named Nala Setu after its architect Nala, it is prominently known as Ram Setu due to its association with the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to the legend, Hanuman and his Vanar Sena built the bridge using floating stones inscribed with Lord Rama’s name.
The Ramayana, written in the 8th century BC, mentions the bridge in its Yudha Kanda chapter. Hanuman describes, “Lanka is situated on the other side of the ocean, which is difficult of access, Oh Rama! It offers no passage for vehicles either and there is no proper communication from all sides.” Lord Rama responds, “By some way or other, let us cross the ocean. The city of Lanka should be assumed then as destroyed by the monkeys.”
Building of the Bridge
Faced with the challenge of crossing the ocean, Lord Rama suggests drying it up. Sagara, the Ocean King, proposes holding the bridge in position for safe passage. Under Nala's leadership, the bridge was constructed in five days with the help of millions of monkeys. “Some monkeys were holding poles for measuring the bridge and some others collected the material. Reeds and logs resembling clouds and mountains, brought by hundreds of monkeys, lead by the command of Rama, fastened some parts of the bridge,” describes Valmiki’s Ramayana.
Modern-Day Connections
On the Indian side, Rameswaram Island, also known as Pamban Island, is accessible via the 2-km-long Pamban Bridge. The island's main towns, Pamban and Rameswaram, support local communities and tourism.
(With inputs from TOI)
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