it would be a blemish on the relegion if we allow the politician to destroy the monument ,as according to me faith need not be proved alllways and when the faith is assosiated with millions of hindus across the globe it has to be true ,

jayesh, mumbai, india

What needs to be analyzed is the advantages that are perceived to be accrued by the project with reference to the cost of project in terms of capital investment & reoccurring expenditure. And also that need to be investigated in detail the environmental damages by creation of projected canal. Only then, if accepted as a viable project should be implemented.

Rohit, Delhi, India

I think that Indians were very much ahead in the field of science and technology in the ancient time. Infact our Vedas were entirely full of Science and technology descriptions on which modern science is based. Things like cloning, calculus, air plane technologies, satellite technology, medicine were all written by ancient sages and saints. Due to years of colonolism and being ruled by other cultures our true vedas were stolen. I know some nations took our original literature that had all the knowledge and presented to the world with their own names.

raj, delhi, india

There are quite a lot of potential environment impact by cutting the Ram Sethu bridge - away from the question of whether it was man made or natural formation.

One thing, everyone agrees is - nobody made a clear study of what the environmental impact would be by
- linking the cold and warm water streams between two seas
- impact to coral reefs
- and so the impact on cyclones - which occurs around 20 every year - only 5 or 6 makes to land so far. Will it change with the destruction.
- it's known 2004 tsunami was blocked near Ram Sethu. Nobody knows will future tsunami would be prevented like 2004 if the bridge is collapsed - with well known geological and archeaological study that many part of costal Tamilnadu (south India) submerged under the sea even in the past 1000 years.

Kalyan k, Los Angels, USA

Hi All,

"It is very easy to destroy but very difficult to construct". I feel Geological Survey of India should conduct all required investigations and future implications and should start the project. Instead of that straight away they started working on this project which not at all acceptable.

I think a team of scientists (from all over world) should conduct a survey to understand the possibilities for whatever.

Ramesh, Om Sai Ram

Ramesh, Hyderabad, India/Andhrapradesh

It is amazing to see so many educated and intelligent Indians take on the belief in ancient mythology to be literally true.

I am especially ashamed of the diaspora of Indians living in secular Western countries recycling the tripe that you would expect hear from someone who has spent their entire life in India being inculcated in mythology. You'd think that at least you guys, who most of you I would assume are much above average in intellect and educational qualifications, would understand the concept of coincidence.

Yes, I can understand your protests in saving the Ram-Sethu bridge as a piece of cultural heritage with some sentimental value to Hindus. But to claim it as being the literal proof of some unsubstantiated mythology from thousands of years ago is simply not an option for educated people.

We sound no better than fundamentalist Chrisitians who claim the Earth is only 4500 years old and that God created everything in one shot at around that time in six days.

pksp, Atlanta, Georgia / USA

"According to Hindu belief set out in the epic poem the Ramayana, it was built about 3,500 years ago." According to Hindu belief, Lord Ram existed around 1.7 millions years ago. Hence, the bridge too is believed to be as old (not just 3,500 years old).

Vishal Khanna, Mumbai, India

Well, not a bad idea Thomas. Why don''t you all people think about the benefit that we would get if we partially destroy the bridge..Do you guys think that RAMA would oppose anything if it is for the sake of humans ??..just think!!

Rajesh, Newark, USA

Rama sethu should be protected at any cost, supporters from all over the world should assemble at sight and then prevent the Govt. from this destructive act.

Ganesh Shankar Raj, Bangalore , India

A series of mysterious events has stalled work on the destruction of the bridge. This is an obvious act of fate. Lord Hanuman remained on Earth to protect it from destruction and therefore we can expect that this demonic interference in the Hindu beliefs will end. "Those who protect Dharma are protected by it."

Amrica A. Seepersad, Trinidad, West Indies,

I would like to correct what Dipak Basu, Nagasaki, Japan said that "Ramayana has mentioned five types of human being apart from the Aryans: 1. Vanaras 2. Golanguls 3. Rukshyas 4. Gradhru and 5. Rakshasas". My scientific research on Valmiki Ramayana ( http://www.angelfire.com/sc3/1010/vedic.html)
unfolded that Vanaras, Golanguls and Rukshyas were distinct species different from humans, apes or monkeys. Rakshasas shared some common physical features with humans. However, Kumbhakarna with mighty body, Trisira with three heads lived in Dandakaranya in central India were exceptions. In general, Rakshasas were cannibals suggesting that no humans existed at the time of Ravan in Lanka city (the present Sri Lanka). Some Vanaras like Hanuman, Vanara Crown Prince Angad, Vanara King Sugriva; Jambavan, Rakshasa King Vibhishan and few others had an ability to fly long distances with divine grace. Hanuman, and King Sugriva, King Ravan and few other Rakshasas had an ability to change form.

Dr. M.A.Padmanabha Rao, New Delhi, India

you cannot destroy what god has created you but god can destroy what humans have created

Srinivas, iselin , usa new jersey

if we say we would destroy the holy land then all jews,christians and muslims for making a road to travel over it then they will not tolerate it then why should we tolerate if they destroy something that is holy to hindus

Srinivas, kolkata, west bengal

You have described Ramayana as a comic book, but it an informal history of ancient India. Ramayana has not mentioned Hanuman as a monkey , but a different type of human, far superior in many way than the North Indian Aryans.
Ramayana has mentioned five types of human being apart from the Aryans: 1. Vanaras 2. Golanguls 3. Rukshyas 4. Gradhru and 5. Rakshasas; they are all highly civilized, articulate but have different looks and different merits and demerits. Prince Ram took the help of most of them to fight the war against the Rakshasas who used to rule Sri Lanka, and whose King Ravana has kidnapped Sita, the wife of Prince Ram.
Archaeological evidences suggest that Rama Bridge was not natural, it was man-made. Several archaelogical efforts were made by the National Institute of Oceanographic Technology and National Institute of Oceanographic Archaeology in India to prove that.
Dipak Basu, Nagasaki, Japan

D.Basu, Nagasaki, Japan

The adam's brige was recently discovered by the Nasa.The ramayana epic was written ages old. Also they have prove so as to it dates million years ago.The ramayana was written by sage Valmiki.And during his time there were no satellites to find out the existence of the bridge. Then how did he know that such a bridge existed?How did he include it in his writing?How did he exactly say it is between india and srilanka? And just as he told how is there such a bridge existing between india and srilanka?Qusetions can be asked on the surface.Because of the growing scientific impact even the spiritualy mentioned truths are being questioned.

kokilawardhanyn, colombo, srilanka

India is the birth place of Hinduism. these are the kinds of thing that will happen in this age of Kali, especially when there are not hindu leaders in key positions in the state. Hindus of Trinidad are outraged.

Gyandeo Persad, trinidad, west indies

I would also mention that the word monkey is not correct here for another reason. The kingdom of 'Kiskindhya' whose king (Hanuman was the commandar-in-chief of armies, not their king, Sugriv was the king of that kingdom, for your information) helped the prince of Ayodhya (whom we consider a reincarnation of God) was not a kingdom of monkeys as we see the monkeys today. It was probably mentioning a cross species of hominids, equally intelligent as homo sapiens but with a different look, more ape like and who are extinct today. Probably neanderthals, or some other un indentified hominid species.

The then sapiens (Hindus) probably called them monkeys for their different look, but Hindus don't use the word monkey as pejorative as you christians do. Respect to all is the very base of Hinduism, and monkeys and apes being the closest cousins to sapiens, we have great respect for them.

Sourav Choudhury, Paris, France

The title is disrespectful and insensitive to the beliefs of Hindus.

rajesh, Delhi, India

I am deeply hurt by the title of this article written by half-baked christist journos.

The Western Christists and the Islamists may claim "There is only one God". We Hindus say "There is ONLY GOD". We see God in everything that we see, feel and perceive. We see Gods even in Animals, therefore, most of our Gods have animals as their vehicles (Vahanas) and are respected as Gods themselves.

The authors owe and apology to the Hindus and retract the most hurting caption.

S V Badri, Tirupati, India

Today people all over the world understand that to get respect one must give respect .Respected journalists turn into reader-hungry hacks when they violate this principle.
This article is deliberately disrespectful and insensitive to Hindu sentiments. Hindus never ever attack any religion despite noticing the immaturity ,ignorance and inaneness of certain practices in some religions.This is because genetically Hindus comprehend the various levels of understanding of different peoples.
A great Hindu world leader, oft quoted in the Western media to foster their own vested interests, repeatedly said:" IT IS AS GREAT A SIN TO INFLICT INJUSTICE UPON OTHERS AS ALSO TO SUFFER INJUSTICE".
So we do protest at such insensitive comments.
I end with an equally wel-known Bible quote "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. [Matthew 7:120]".

VIJAYA CHANDRAMOULI, LIEGE, BELGIUM

NASA says 30km (18 miles) not 30 miles. I've not visited the location so which is correct? NASA also contends it was man made. Which is correct?
Secondly the Hindu pantheon is wonderful, why debase it with that title? I'm R.C. but have nothing but admiration and respect for the Hindu faith.
Third Some research on my part indicates this bridge was mentioned in ancient legend called Ramayana and Srimad-Bhagavatam which occured about 1,700,000 years ago in the age known as Treta Yuga (The second of four ages of man) which was over 2,000,000 years ago. That places it at least 3,5 million years ago. I'm open to correction and would appreciate it.

Brian Fahey, Akron, USA/NY

Without even reading the article I can say I am not impressed. The title alone shows incredible disrespect to the Hindu religion. If you are going to report on a culture, relgion or even anything, get your facts straight. The "Monkey God" has a name and is referred to as Hanuman ji. We don't disrespect you, please do not disrespect us!

Nisha, Houston, TX,

It could be the greatest mythological and archaeological find of mankind if it can be proved that Lord Rama did indeed oversee the building of this bridge. At least a thorough study needs to be conducted to verify this claim - not for the sake of religion, but for science.

Nishant Shetty, Texas A & M University, U.S.A.

Please change the title of this piece! It is rude and shows a complete lack of research and education on the part of the author. The name is Hanumanji ...show some respect please.

Meera, South Woodford, London

Burning our Bridges with the Sacred Environment

In Hindu tradition, our entire environment is regarded as sacred and there are specific instances which provide important symbols for this. Witness the reverence Hinduism has for the great rivers - for example the sacred Ganga river - for their life giving and life sustaining qualities, the mountains which source these life giving forces and provide protection and indeed the whole land which is regarded as the Mother in addition to the regard for the millions of plants and animals. The Rama Sethu land formation (also known as Adam's Bridge), linking southern India to northern Sri Lanka, is an example of such a sacred symbol which is revered in Hindu tradition as the bridge constructed by Lord Rama and his army to cross into Lanka and defeat the demon Ravana.

shanker, london, uk

every myth has a bases in truth

don, hart, usa

Please change the title, it is very disrespectful, how would a christian feel if an article was published on jesus as a half naked fakir ( just as an example, since hindus treat every religion as their own )

Pavan, LA, US

I have always wondered about the use of the term "Nationalist" by the western media and scholars to describe those who support specific religious or cultural beliefs. One example being the use of "Hindu Nationalist" in your story to describe those who used NASA pictures to support a specific historical claim.
The term "nationalist:" is never used to describe ardent supporters of Judeo-Christian beliefs. For example, "God bless America" is considered American patriotism and not American nationalism. Those who believe that Shroud of Turin was used to cover Christ are not referred to as Christian Nationalists but as devoted Christians. I can go on and on and on.
So why is this discrepancy?

Pravin Gandhi, Ashburn, Va, USA

The title of your article is ridiculous. Stop giving this kind of title which hurts millions of hindus across the globe.

Sanjay Kumar Rout, Cuttack, Orissa, India, Orissa/India

Whoever came up with the title of this story has shown the competency and thinking of a writer of tabloid. This is pure yellow journalism.

It is shocking and disheartening to see the pitiful quality of writing and lack of religious sensitivity and tolerance.

I hang my head in shame for visiting this website and increasing it page statistics.

Ganga, New York, New York

1 Billion Hindus is a number to reckon with and the government must not & can not turn a blind eye to the wishes of the people

Ram, San Francisco, USA/CA

Rama's Avatar was not 3500yrs ago. It must be millions of years ago. As per the Yuga Calculation Treta Yuga was started 21 Million Yrs ago and was there for 12Million yrs. I do not no exactly how many year back Rama was there. But as per Hindu Puranas, Rama was in Treta Yuga.

As per scientists, the bridge was 17million yrs ago i.e., in Treta Yuga.

It is not clear that the bridge was in Treta Yuga.

So there is not doubt it was built by RAMA.

Pradeep, Hyderabad,

Ofcourse he can!
Lord Hanuman is the symbol of strongest devotee of God.

Sunil , New Delhi, India

I think it is a beautiful story.

There must be away to satisfy both sides at least partially--allowing passage for ship traffic and paying homage to religious/cultural heritage.

A compromise perhaps?

Thomas A. Le Blanc, Pflugerville , Texas, USA