'Ram Sethu' selling like hot cakes

Rameswaram: Ramar Sethu, the mythical bridge built by the 'Vanara Sena' for Lord Ram to crossover to Lanka to rescue Sita, may have been embroiled in controversy after it formed part of the channel to be dredged for Sethusamudram project, but the coral rocks believed to be part of the structure are being bought by droves of pilgrims.

"Pilgrims visiting this temple town buy these stones thinking that they are from the Ramar bridge. But they are actually coral rocks. The rocks are being sold at five places in this island," an official of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park said.

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The stones are being sold at 'Seetha Theertham,' 'Ramar Theertham,' 'Lakshman Theertham,' 'Kandhamadhanaparvam' and at an ashram in the island at rates varying between Rs 500 and Rs 1000 per piece. Agents and Tourist guides at these centres are selling the rocks, he said.

Long queues could be seen for buying the rocks though its sale has been banned under the Wild Life and Marine Life Protection Acts, he said. As coral rocks tend to float naturally, pilgrims believe that the rocks are the ones used by Rama's army and buy it, he said.

Gopinathan, a tourist guide, said they would get a nominal commission for each stone sold through them. The stones were presented to VIPs visiting the island, stating that it was auspicious to keep it at home, he said.

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