Explore the Sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram

Overview of Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram

Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on Rameswaram Island in Ramanathapuram district. The temple has been built in Dravidian style of architecture.

Ramanathaswamy Temple forms a prominent pilgrimage centre for followers of Hinduism.

The Legend behind Ramanathaswamy Temple

The presiding deity of the temple, Lord Shiva venerated as Ramanathaswamy in ​Lingam ​form, is believed to have installed and worshipped by Lord Rama.

According to the Indian epic Ramayana, Lord Rama (the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu) prayed to Lord Shiva for the absolution of his sins committed during his war against the demon king Ravana of Sri Lanka. Lord Rama directed his devotee Hanuman to bring a ​lingam from Himalayas. When Hanuman delayed in bringing the ​lingam, a small lingam was made out of sand by Sita, the consort of Lord Rama on the shores of Rameswaram. This is believed to be the lingam in the sanctum.

The Architecture of Ramanathaswamy Temple

The establishment of the temple from a thatched shed to the present structure is mainly attributed to the ​Setupatis ​of Ramanathapuram.

The sanctum of the temple has two lingams – ​Ramalingam ​ that was built by Sita from sand, resides as the main deity and ​Vishwalingam ​ brought by Hanuman from Kailash.

The temple has high compound walls on all four sides with huge towers to the east and west and finished gate towers to the north and south. The temple interior has striking long corridors. The outer set of corridors is regarded to be the longest in the world having 1212 pillars. The Rajagopuram ​ (temple tower) is 53 metres tall. The temple consists of various halls namely Anuppu Mandapam, Sukravara Mandapam, Setupati Mandapam, Kalyana Mandapam and Nandi Mandapam.

The temple houses separate shrines for Ramanathaswamy and his consort Goddess Parvathavardhini separated by a corridor. Shrines of Goddess Vishalakshi, Parvathavardhini, Subramanya, Nataraja, Hanuman, Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha can also be found inside the temple.

Interesting Facts about Rameswaram Ramanthaswamy Temple

• Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the twelve ​Jyothirlinga ​ temples and one of the 274 ​Paadal Petra Sthalams. Three of the most revered ​Nayanars ​ (Saivite saints) – Appar, Sundarar and Tirugnana Sambandar have glorified the temple with their songs. The temple is one of the holy ​Char Dham ​ (four divine sites), the other three being Badrinath, Puri and Dwaraka.
• The temple boasts of its corridor with a 197-metre span from East to West and a 133-metre span from South to North, making it the longest one in Asia.
• As was instructed by Lord Rama, ​Vishwalingam ​ (brought by Hanuman from Kailash) is worshipped first even today.
• The Maratha kings who had ruled Thanjavur established rest houses throughout Rameswaram and Mayiladuthurai and donated them to the temple.
• It is believed that no Hindu devotee’s journey is complete without a pilgrimage to Varanasi and Rameswaram as a step towards attainment of salvation.

The Sacred 22 Holy Theerthams

There are sixty-four ​Theerthams (holy water bodies) in and around Rameswaram; ​Agni Theertham ​ considered to be the primary seashore associated with the temple. Twenty-two (22) of the ​Teerthams ​ are within the Ramanathaswamy Temple. Bathing in these Theerthams is considered equivalent to penance and forms a major aspect of the pilgrimage to Rameswaram. Each of the ​Theerthams ​ has its own significance. Temple Timings The temple is open in the morning from ​5:00 AM to 1:00 PM​ and in the evening from ​3:00 PM to 9:00 PM​.

The Rituals and Pujas at Rameshwaram Temple

Ramanathaswamy Temple Festivals

The prominent festivals observed in the temple are:

• Maha Sivarathri – 10 days festival during the Tamil month of Maasi (February-March)
• Vasanthotsavam – 10 days festival during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June)
• Ramalinga Prathishtai – 3 days festival during the Tamil month of Aani (June-July)
• Thirukalyanam – 17 days festival during the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August)
• Navarathri – 10 days festival during the Tamil month of Purattasi (September-October)
• Kantha Sashti – 6 days festival during the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November)
• Aarudhra Darshanam – 10 days festival during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January)

How to reach Rameswaram

Rameswaram is well connected by road and rail with Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy and other important cities. The 2.3 kilometres long Indira Gandhi Road Bridge (popularly called Pamban Bridge) connects Mandapam (a place on Indian mainland) with Pamban (fisherman town in Rameswaram). The city bus stand is at a distance of around 2 kilometres from Ramanathaswamy Temple. Rameswaram has a railway station, about 1.3 kilometres from the temple. The nearest airport is at Madurai, 163 kilometres from Rameswaram.

Epilogue

Ramanathaswamy Temple is a holy paradise for devotees and an ideal delight for tourists. With its architectural grandeur, imposing temple tower, magnificent long corridors, aesthetically carved pillars and holy water bodies purifying mind and soul, the temple attracts millions of pilgrims every year.

Tips for Visiting Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple

Temple Rituals:

• Holy Bath: Take a dip in the sacred waters of the 22 holy theerthams, believed to purify the soul.
• Main Darshan: Seek the blessings of Lord Ramanatha Swamy at the main shrine.
• Pujas and Offerings: Participate in various pujas and offer prayers.

Temple Etiquette:

• Respectful Behavior: Maintain silence and a respectful demeanor within the temple premises.
• Photography Restrictions: Mobile phone is strictly not allowed inside the temple.
• Queue Discipline: Follow the queue system and wait patiently for your turn.

Exploring the Complex:

• Holy Wells: Visit the 22 holy wells, each with its own significance.
• Ramanathaswamy Temple: Admire the magnificent architecture and intricate carvings.
• Other Temples: Explore nearby temples like the Hanuman Temple and the Kothandarama Swamy Temple.

Local Cuisine:

• Vegetarian Options: Enjoy vegetarian dishes influenced by South Indian cuisine.
• Seafood Delights: Indulge in fresh seafood delicacies.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your pilgrimage to Ramanathaswamy Temple and immerse yourself in its spiritual significance.

Tourist Attractions near Rameswaram:

• Agni Theertham Beach
• Dhanushkodi
• APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial – Rameswaram
• Kunthukal Beach
• Pamban Bridge