Breathtaking Bridge: European Satellite Captures 'Ram Setu' In All Its Glory

The European Space Agency has released a picture of the Ram Setu, also known as the Adam's Bridge. The said photo was captured by its Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite.

The ESA stated that historical records show this natural bridge was passable until the 15th century. After that, it slowly eroded due to storms over the years.

The European Space Agency pointed out that some sandbanks within Ram Setu are dry, and the sea in this region is notably shallow, ranging from just 1 to 10 meters deep, evident from the water's light hue.

Mannar Island, spanning approximately 130 square kilometers, is linked to mainland Sri Lanka by both a road bridge and a railway bridge, visible at the southern tip of the island.

On the Indian side of Adam's Bridge, Rameswaram Island, also known as Pamban Island, can be reached from the mainland via the 2-kilometer-long Pamban Bridge. The island features two main towns: Pamban on its western edge and Rameswaram, approximately 10 kilometers east of Pamban.

Both parts of Adam's Bridge are included in protected national parks in their respective countries. The sand dunes provide crucial nesting sites for birds such as the brown noddy, while the shallow waters support a wide variety of fish and seagrasses. The marine ecosystem around the Ram Setu is home to dolphins, dugongs, and turtles.

As per the Hindu mythology, the Ram Setu structure was constructed by an army of monkeys under the leadership of Lord Hanuman, acting on behalf of Lord Ram. The army was en route to Sri Lanka to liberate Lord Ram's wife, Sita, who was held captive by demon King Ravan.

Going by the geological evidence, these limestone shoals are remnants of a land bridge that once connected India and Sri Lanka.