Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
Location: Rameswaram
Deity known as: Ramanathaswamy
Female Deity: Parvatha Varthini
Pathikam: Tirunavukarasar - 1, Sambandar - 2
Gallery - Ramanathaswamy Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple on the island of Rameswaram is well connected by both road and rail from Chennai, Madurai, and Tiruchirapalli.
Rail Connectivity: Direct trains are available to Rameswaram from Chennai, Madurai, and Tiruchirapalli.
Road Connectivity: Rameswaram is well connected by frequent bus services from Madurai and Tiruchirapalli.
Temple Address
Rameswaram
Ramanathapuram District
PIN - 623526
Temple Hours
Morning: 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Evening: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Specialities
Shakthi Peetam: Sethu Peetam
Pooja: Sandhi Pooja (10:00 AM)
Temple Introduction
This 'Paadal Petra' temple, located on Rameswaram Island in the Gulf of Mannar, holds immense spiritual significance as one of India’s holiest temples and is believed to date back to the time of the Ramayana. A bridge connects the island to the mainland, making it easily accessible. Rameswaram is also considered an essential pilgrimage destination for devotees travelling to Kasi, especially to perform rites in honour of their deceased ancestors.
Kasi Yatra
The Kasi Yatra is believed to begin and conclude at Rameswaram, where the final ritual involves taking a holy dip at Dhanushkoti and anointing Ramanathaswamy with the sacred Ganga water brought all the way from Kashi.
It is renowned for its three-fold glories - Moorthy (deity), Sthalam (place of divinity) and Theertham (holy water).
Jyotir-Lingam
Ramanathaswamy, the presiding deity of Rameswaram, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams and is revered as one of the four most sacred pilgrimage destinations in Hindu tradition.
Four Sacred Destinations (Char Dham)
- North: Badrinath
- East: Jagannath
- West: Dwarkanath
- South: Ramanath (Rameshwaram)
This Jyotirlingam is enshrined in a small sannidhi on the eastern side of the first prakaram. It is believed that Rama’s worship of Eeshwar bestowed the name “Rameswaram” upon this island town. Devotees from across the country consider it a sacred duty to visit Rameswaram at least once in their lifetime.
Temple Architecture
The Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram is renowned for its extensive corridors and magnificent sculptured pillars, which have earned fame and acclaim.
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Temple Length (East-West) | 865 feet |
| Temple Width (North-South) | 675 feet |
| Eastern Gopuram Height | 126 feet (tallest) |
| Western Gopuram Height | 78 feet |
| Outermost Prakaram | 400 × 30 feet |
| Ceiling Height | 60 feet |
| Number of Pillars | 4000 |
The breathtaking view of the prakaram makes one marvel at how such massive stones were transported from the mainland in those ancient times.
The Famous Third Corridor
Temple Legend - The Two Shiva Lingams
The sannidhi of the presiding deity, Ramanathaswamy, along with that of His consort, Parvathavardhini, is located in the innermost prakaram of the temple. The Nandi here is exceptionally large, measuring about 12 feet in length and 9 feet in height.
The Story of Two Lingams
Within this temple, there are two Shiva Lingams, one of which is the Ramalingam, believed to have been fashioned out of sand by Seetha Devi.
After Ravana was slain, Rama sought to absolve himself of Brahmahati Dosha (the sin of killing) by worshipping Shiva. He therefore instructed Hanuman to bring a Shiva Lingam from Kailash or from Kasi for the Shiva Puja.
As Hanuman’s return was delayed, Seetha Devi fashioned a Shiva Lingam out of sand so that Rama could perform the Puja within the auspicious time.
Hanuman's Devotion
When Hanuman returned with the Shiva Lingam, he was disheartened to discover that his efforts had seemingly been in vain. Despite his attempts to remove Seetha's Sand Lingam, he was unable to do so.
To console Hanuman, Rama assured him that the Linga he had brought would also be revered and that it would be given primary importance. Therefore, to this day, the Kasi Viswanathar Lingam brought by Hanuman is worshipped first, before the Ramalingeswarar in the temple.
Sacred Water Bodies (Theerthams)
There are a minimum of twenty-two theerthams, or sacred bathing spots, located both inside and outside the temple premises. Within the temple, a series of wells are positioned at regular intervals.
Bathing Ritual
Pilgrims typically begin their bathing ritual at Agni Theertham on the eastern seashore near the temple and conclude it at Kodi Theertham within the temple complex.
Agni Theertham
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple faces the east. About 100 metres from its eastern entrance lies the seashore, offering a serene and tranquil setting ideal for bathing. The water here is considered sacred and is known as Agni Theertham. Devotees visit this sacred shore to offer homage and perform rites for their ancestors.
Shakthi Peetam
Rameshwaram is also one among the sacred Shakti Peetams. A ‘Shri Chakra’ consecrated by Sri Adi Shankara is installed in front of Goddess Parvathavardhini and can be seen by devotees.
Sethu Peetam: TThis Shakti Peetam is known as Sethu Peetam and is regarded as one of the most sacred Shakti Peetams in India.
Gallery - Ramanathaswamy Temple
