Coral Rocks sold as Ram Sethu Bridge Rock at Rameshwaram

Ram Sethu, or Ramar Sethu, is the bridge built by the Vanara Sena (Monkey Army) for Lord Ram to crossover to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita from Ravana. The popular belief is that the stones used to build the bridge floats in water. Now scrupulous businessmen are selling coral rocks to devotees claiming that the rocks are a part of the holy Ram Sethu Bridge.

Coral rocks tend to float naturally and this makes the pilgrims believe that the rocks are the ones used by Lord Rama's army and buy it at prices ranging from 500 rupees to 1000 rupees.

Press Trust of India reports

Despite a ban on the trade of coral rocks under the Wild Life and Marine Life Protection Acts, they are being sold at five places – Seetha Theertham, Ram Theertham, Lakshman Theertham, Kandhamadhanaparvam and at an ashram – in the island.

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

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Building of Ram Sethu in the Ramayana