Ram Setu: what is the real truth behind it?

In India, Ramayana is considered the greatest epic in Hinduism. There is a history about the Ram Setu bridge or Adams bridge existence. In Ramayana, This Ram Setu bridge was constructed by monkeys sena which was under the guidance of Neel and Nala ( one of the monkey’s chiefs). This bridge was built across the ocean with the advice of the ocean’s God. The heroes with a large army of monkeys cross the ocean and reach Lanka.

Ram Setu starts from Dhanushkodi tips of India’s Pambar Island and ends at Sri Lanka’s Mannar Island.

The current day Sri Lanka is the place where many people believe the antagonist of Lord Rama– Ravan had his golden kingdom there. As the history written by Valmiki in Ramayan that Ravan had kidnapped the wife of Ram named Sita for which Lord Rama had to battle with Ravana and his Sena and after victory over him, rescue Sita.

There are a lot of arguments about the “Ram Setu” bridge. It is very difficult to prove that this bridge is a man-made one whereas others say that it is a natural bridge. So, it is very difficult to find Archaeologists and Geologists to prove and getting evidence that can prove the historicity of the Ram Setu bridge which was built by his monkey’s sena.

First, it was mentioned in Ramayana, written by Valmiki. But, it is true or not Scientists still trying to find out, because till now it was not cleared by any evidence regarding of this Ram Setu.

There are several views and opinions on the history and legacy of Ram Setu.

The battle between science and spirituality is running for over a decade. Science relies on logic, facts and proof whereas spirituality is largely related to belief.

Many Geologists say Ram Setu is built by a natural process but failed to provide enough proof. Apart from Ramayana that are several facts that say, Ram Setu is a Man-made structure.

So, the lack of comprehensive studies has led to many uncertainties regarding the built of Ram Setu.

The problem arises when The archaeological survey of India(ASI) has submitted its report that there was no historical or scientific evidence about the existence of Ram Setu as it was mentioned in Ramayana.

When this report came, it became controversial among people. But, when the NASA shuttle sends across images about two decades ago of a 50 km long chain of sand backs on which Stone rested across the Palk Strait in the Indian ocean. NASA also clarified that the image didn’t prove the existence of a man-made bridge, referred to as a Ram Setu.

To ascertain the legitimacy of the findings, the researchers used techniques to date the sand and stone. Scientists reveal that the rocks are 7000 years old and sandbars are some 4000 years old.

Most people even with a scientific background ignored the fact that this is not how science works.

As I have mentioned earlier that science and spirituality have different opinions about Ram Setu.

So, what is the real story?

According to NASA, the US agency has clearly said that the pictures taken by Astronauts don’t prove the existence or otherwise of a man-made bridge as written in Ramayana. But, after many Researchers, Archaeologists and Geologists said that the sandbars that form this 50 km long bridge-like structure could be natural formations, but the problem is here that the survey says that the stones that sit on those sandbags have certainly not been naturally placed by the vagaries of time. Because the sandbags are some 4000 years old but the stones atop them are 7000 years old.

It is now an illusion among Researchers and people that Ram Setu which is made by Lord Rama for saving the Goddess Sita.

The truth is that in Ram Setu case, cultural, spiritual and religious faith also involved.

This famous bridge that was built remains a mystery. The discovery of this bridge is not only important for Archaeologists but it gives the world to know Indian history linked to Indian Mythology.