The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested the prime accused behind the blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru from West Bengal. The accused, who were absconding, were apprehended from their hideout in Kolkata.
The NIA said Mussavir Hussain Shazib had placed the IED at the cafe and Abdul Matheen Taha was the mastermind behind the planning and execution of the blast.
Both of them are already wanted in a 2020 terrorism case. The NIA said Abdul Matheen Taha was involved with the Bengaluru Module of ISIS — Al Hind.
The NIA said the accused were hiding under false identities. In a statement, the NIA said the accused were nabbed in a co-ordinated action between Central intelligence agencies and police personnel from West Bengal, Telengana, Karnataka, and Kerala.
On March 29, the anti-terror agency released the photographs and details of the two accused and announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information on each of them.
The agency had said that Shazib was using the name ‘Mohammed Juned Sayed’ to conceal his identity. Taha was using Hindu identity documents and a forged Aadhar card with the name Vignesh, the agency said.
Tag: Rameshwaram
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Bengaluru cafe blast mastermind, bomber arrested from Bengal
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Rameshwaram: The Bridge on the Indian Ocean
Rameshwaram is located on a beautiful island in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is separated by a small Pamban channel from Sri Lanka. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Lord Rama created a bridge across the sea to Sri Lanka. Rameshwaram has the first sea bridge connecting the town of Mandapam with Pamban Island, and Rameswaram. Abdandoned town of Dhanushkodi is also located on Pamban Island which was a bustling town until it got destroyed in 1964 by cyclone. Renowned for its magnificent prakaras with massive sculptured pillars on either side, The Ramanathaswamy Temple houses the longest corridor in the world. Agniteertham is famous for its sacred waters and Pilgrims perform poojas in honour of their ancestors at this seashore. The five-faced Hanuman Temple holds the floating stone which was used to build the bridge between India and Sri Lanka.
Places To Visit- Rameshwaram Temple
A perfect blend of mind-boggling architecture and spiritual significance, Rameshwaram Temple, also known as Ramanathaswamy Temple of Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It also boasts of being one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples of India. Not just spiritually, Rameshwaram Temple is appealing architecturally also. With the longest corridor of the world and immaculate carvings on pillars, it is definitely a treat for your eyes.
The lingam in the Rameshwaram Temple was installed by Lord Rama but, the construction was led by several rulers over the centuries. Inside the temple, there are two lingams- Ramalingam and Shivalingam. The latter is still worshipped first to preserve the words of Lord Rama. Besides daily Abhishkams and poojas performed with great zeal, there are absorbing festivals worth witnessing.
Dhanushkodi Temple and Beach
Dhanushkodi was until a few years ago a wonderful temple on the southern tip of India. However, due to a natural calamity, the cyclone, it got completely washed away.
It holds the advantage of being on an island and is exquisitely covered by waters on all the four sides of it. It is sandwiched between the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. When viewed from a birds eye,The seas are in the shape of bow and arrow. The arrow head is considered to be a sacred place for worship by the Hindus and people from far and wide come there to offer sacred prayers to the deity. Lord Rama has his pious foot marks in this temple and the whole story of Ramayana revolves around this temple island. It is a wonderful pilgrim place for the followers of Lord Rama. The place is an approximate of 18 kms from Rameshwaram and one can easily travel by road.
Jatayu Tirtham
Jatayu tirtham is the holy temple constructed in the memory of Jatayu, who was the most loyal eagle of Rama and who helped lord Rama at various instances in getting herbs from the mountains.
It is said that this eagle lost its life in order to save the life of lord Rama and hence its sacrifice is always appreciated and it is worshiped as a deity even today. It was buried in the soil when it died and Jatayu temple has been created at the place of its burial. The whole of its pit was filled with vibhuti, which is the holy ash that is obtained after the yagnas. It is believed that it was buried in the soil whenafter death and Jatayu temple has been created at the place of its burial. The whole of its pit was filled with vibhuti, which is the holy ash that is obtained after the yagnas.
Agnitheertham
One of the 64 sacred baths in Rameshwaram, the Agnitheertham is one of the most important theertham and receives a large number of tourists each day. Located on the beach side of Sri Ramanathaswamy temple, Agnitheertham is the only theertham sited outside the temple complex.
In the Sanskrit language, the word agni means fire; while the word theertham means holy water. Agnitheertham has been mentioned several times in the ancient texts and mythological legends as a pilgrimage of significant importance among the Hindus. The devotees visiting the theertham offer their prayers to the deity and atone their sins by taking a dip in the holy waters.
Lakshmana Tirtham
Lakshmana Tirtham had been constructed in the loving memory of Lord Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama. In order to offer sacred prayers to lord Lakshmana, this temple has been constructed in Rameshwaram itself which indicates that Lord Lakshman had been given a valuable place in the dynasty of Lord Rama. Several wonderful sculptures of Lord Lakshmana have been carved out from marble and the temple has the statues of lord Rama and Goddess Sita too which signifies the spirit of unitedness that exisited between them.
Villoondi Tirtham
Villoondi Tirtham is a beach which is also considered a sacred natural water body and a favourite amongst tourists. It also has a spring inside the sea which makes the attraction a unique one and is often associated with the Legend of Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama shot an arrow to create this spring to help his people with drinking water.
Source: Holidify.com
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Rameshwaram: The Temple City
The perfect confluence of traditional legacy and natural adornments, the holy town of Rameswaram is placed perfectly on the Pamban Island. Even if you are not a religiously-inclined traveller, a visit to Rameswaram will leave you spiritually stirred and surprised. Primarily a pilgrimage site known for its gorgeous Hindu temples, this tiny fishing town in the southern state of Tamil Nadu is blessed with picturesque beaches, unrivalled underwater natural wonders, a sanctuary for birds, and so much more. To discover the destination in its glorious entirety, here are the places we recommend you should see:
Ramanathaswamy Temple
Hindu devotees flock to the Ramanathaswamy temple as part of their Char Dham yatra. Built in the 17th century, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is an architectural wonder housing one of the longest and largest pillared corridors in the world. There are over 1200 grand columns, each of which is beautifully carved and painted with a lion figure. Besides, the temple is also known for its Dravidian-style architecture and twelve ponds.
After you seek blessings at the temple, set on a stroll to the Agni Teertham. Take a holy dip here and catch the breathtakingly beautiful sunset and the orange-hued sky.
Hanuman Temple
This temple is a short distance away from the Ramanathaswamy Temple, and features a five-faced Hanuman idol. Devotees are known to smear the statue with sindoor or vermillion. The statue is perpetually covered in sindooram, a saffron coloured powder. Religious connotations aside, another thing to marvel at are the stones that mysteriously float on water. These are believed to be the same stones that were used to build the bridge from India to Lanka for Lord Rama by his monkey army. The temple is situated in close proximity to Rameswaram’s most popular museum called ‘House of Kalam’. The museum traces the life and works of the iconic scientist and humanitarian APJ Abdul Kalam and makes for a worthy visit.
Dhanushkodi Temple
Years ago, a cyclone hit Dhanushkodi and destroyed most of the Kothandaramaswamy Temple that has been elaborately described in the ancient texts of Ramayana. Today, in this island town located at the south-eastern part of Pamban, the temple’s ruins holding statues of Rama, Lakshman, Sita and Hanuman still continue to draw visitors from far and wide.
Dhanushkodi and Ariyaman Beach
There are two beaches in Ramanathapuram that warrant a visit for every tourist — the Dhanushkodi beach and Ariyaman beach. At one hand where Dhanushkodi beach offers a tranquil and refreshing time, the latter is where the action is. Go boating and enjoy water sports such as parasailing. If travelling with children, Ariyaman beach also has a children’s park, an aquarium and a museum. Dhanushkodi beach, on the other hand, is bordered by the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean on either side. With gentle waves lapping the shore, this beach is a perfect getaway for those looking to stay away from the crowds and spend some time in solitude. This town has a population of merely 500 fishermen and their families.
Pamban Road and Rail Bridge
Probably India’s first sea bridge, Pamban Bridge or Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge on Palk Strait connects Rameswaram Island with the mainland. The rail bridge and road run parallel with the former boasting a functional double leaf bascule section midway to allow ships through. The bi-lane road, on the other hand, offers uninterrupted views of the azure waters and the 100-year-old cantilever railway bridge. A long drive on this track ensures a scenic experience.
Rama Setu
While the religious debates may continue for many years to come, tourists should visit the Rama Setu or Adam’s Bridge’ to see the beautiful collection of limestone shoals arranged in a chain starting from Rameswaram’s Dhanushkodi tip, all the way into the ocean. The bridge connects the Pamban island to the Mannar island of Sri Lanka.
Water Bird Sanctuary
Birdwatchers must visit Rameswaram to witness native and migratory birds in the city’s water bird sanctuary. October to January are the perfect months to visit when they come here in large numbers for breeding and feeding. The sight of the flocking birds is one to behold. Carry along your camera to capture some beautiful wildlife shots here.
How to Reach?
Rameshwaram city is less than 200 kilometres from the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, reachable via flight from most major cities in India. Alternatively, book yourself a seat on a train going to the Rameshwaram Railway Station. But the best way to this southern city is via the road while enjoying a picturesque and refreshing drive. Source: Makemytrip