Day 6 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena.
One of the explanations is from the ancient epic, the Ramayana. According to the story, Lord Rama needed to cross the sea to reach Lanka (Sri Lanka) and rescue Sita from Ravana. To do so, his army is believed to have constructed a bridge.
This bridge, often referred to as Rama’s Bridge or Adam’s Bridge, is said to have been built using stones that miraculously floated on water. For many devotees, the stones are remnants of that legendary structure.
These stones are now preserved and displayed at Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple in Rameswaram where they can be seen floating.
SCIENTIFIC VIEW
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| Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons |
Some experts say these stones could be pumice, a type of volcanic rock. Pumice forms when gas-rich lava cools rapidly, trapping air bubbles inside. These air pockets make the rock extremely light, allowing it to float.
Another explanation points to pipe coral, found in the Gulf of Mannar. These corals have a porous structure filled with tiny holes that trap air, giving them buoyancy in water.
Both theories rely on the same principle: low density due to trapped air, which allows the stones to stay afloat.
Whether one chooses to see it from the angle of faith or science, the experience remains the same.
Information sources: The Times of India, News18
This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026
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We saw these floating stones at Rameshwaram. It is also displayed on the way to the Dhanushkodi.
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