Vibishan mandir is a sub shrine in Kothandaramaswamy temple at Dhanushkodi, near Rameswaram. It is a shrine dedicated to lord Rama and is classified one of the 108 Abhimana Kshetrams of Vaishnavete tradition. It is only historical structure to survive the 1964 cyclone which washed away complete Dhanushkodi.
This temple houses the deities of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman and Vibishana which is called the Vibishana mandir. It is surrounded by sea and is a popular tourist attraction of Rameswaram.
History:
This temple is constructed around 1000 years ago. Here, Lord Rama is main deity and the idol is represented as having a bow (Kothandam). So, it got the name Kothandaramaswamy for the deity here.
It is believed to be the place where Vibishana, the younger brother of Ravana asked Rama and his Vanara Sainyam(army) asking for protection. After taking away goddess Sita, Vibishana advised Ravana to return her to Rama but Ravana did not listen to him. That led Vibishana to get away from Lanka and joining Rama's army. This story is pictorially represented across the walls inside the shrine.
How To Reach:
Rameswaram bus stand is around 11.7 KM far from the temple and railway station is located at a distance of around 9.7 KM from the temple. You can take a local taxi to reach the temple from bus stand or railway station. There are no buses available in that route.
