Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is the holiest temple in Rameshwaram . It is a small island connected to the mainland through the Pamban Bridge. It’s really the most important part of a Rameshwaram stint. Known for its intricate workshop, majestic halls, and corridors this Temple is a fine illustration of armature excellence. This largely sacred Temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India and is visited by nearly every Hindu People. There are 22 pilgrimages in this temple, it is believed that by taking a bath in these, the sins of drug addicts can be expunged. Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is regarded with high significance indeed in the holy Book of the Hindu religion. It’s associated with Lord Rama and his successful rescuing of Goddess Sita after killing demon Ravana while on their way back to Ayodhya, it’s then that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva.
The religious significance of this Rameshwaram Shivling can be seen from the popular belief according to which a visit to passage Kashi is deficient without a visit to Rameshwaram Temple.
Legend of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple
According to the legend behind Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Lord Rama had worshipped Lord Shiva then. Lord Rama, who’s a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, while coming back after killing the demon Ravana had offered his prayers to Lord Shiva. Demon Ravana, who had kidnapped Goddess Sita, was a Brahmin king. As Lord Rama had killed him to end his brutality and to deliver the Goddess, had decided to seek atonement by worshipping Lord Shiva. To offer prayers, Lord Rama asked Hanuman to bring a Lingam from the Himalayas. Still, Hanuman could not return with lingam on time owing to which Goddess Sita has created a lingam herself. Lord Rama also worshiped Lord Shiva at a predetermined auspicious time. Pleased, Lord Shiva blessed Lord Rama and appeared himself in the form of a linga at his request. It is believed that the same lingam is now present in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
According to legend, the temple also houses the lingam brought by Hanuman from Kailash. The Shivling is called Hanumalingam. As per the reference of Lord Rama, pilgrims first prayed at Hanumalingam before worshiping Lord Ramanathaswamy.
Rameshwaram Temple History and Architecture
The ancient sanctum of Rameshwaram Temple history is believed to be in a humble thatched shack until the 12th century. It was latterly erected as a concrete Temple by Sethupathy autocrats. The significant additions to the Temple were done from the 12th to 16th century during the colorful reigns. In the 13th century, gravestone blocks were packed from the Koneswaram Temple, Trincomalee to patch the sanctum sanctorum of this Temple. This was during the reign of King Jayavira Sinkaiyarian. numerous fiefdoms similar to Mysore, Travancore, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, etc., have also contributed a lot to the development of this Temple, performing in a magnific structure. Many of the additions to the Temple happed latterly as well, for case the majestic corridor of the Temple was erected in the 18th century. The present structure of the Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga was constructed during the 17th century.
The current structure of the Rameswaram temple is spread over 15 acres of land. Its majestic pillars, vast corridors, walls, and gopurams appeal to every caller. Its determined walls have intricate busts that have been mounted on a raised platform. This Temple is girdled by massive walls on all four sides with a height of nearly 865 bases to 657 bases. The external corridors of the Rameshwaram Temple Jyotirlinga are considered the longest in the world, with a total length of 3850 bases for all the corridors. The outer corridor has about 1212 pillars with a height of 30 bases, while the main palace of the Rajagopuram has a height of about 53 talas.
There are majestic gopurams at the east and west while gate halls adorned the Temple on the northern and southern sides. There are numerous interesting aspects of this Temple which leave everyone mesmerized. It’s also said that the jewels used in the corridor aren’t from this region but were brought from nearly outside Tamil Nadu. Another striking point is the paved way from western Gopuram to Setumadhava sanctum is in the form of a chess board, presenting a unique view. It’s called Chokkattan Mandapam where divinities are kept during the Spring Festival.
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram Timings
Opening timings of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, which is popularly known as Rameshwaram Temple timings are from 5 AM to 1 PM, while in the evening it opens for darshan from 3 Pm to 9 PM. The pilgrims can make darshan every day.
Best Time to Visit Rameshwaram
The city as a total is known for its tropical climate and hence the best time to visit Rameshwaram Mandir is between the months of October to April. The Rameshwaram Temperature is 27°c – 40°c during that time. Either, you can also choose to plan a holiday in Rameshwaram in the thunderstorm months of July to September.
How to Reach Rameshwaram
Regular service by state-run Buses from other corridors of Tamil Nadu to Rameshwaram Mandir is available for pilgrims.
Places to Visit in Rameshwaram
- Jada Tirtham
- Water Bird Sanctuary
- Gandhamadhana Parvatham
- Adam’s Bridge
- Nambu Nayagiamman Temple
- Five-Faced Hanuman Temple
- Dhanushkodi Temple
- Ariyaman Beach
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Where is Rameshwaram Located?
Rameshwaram is a city located on Pamban Island in the Gulf of Mannar, off the southeastern seacoast of Tamil Nadu, India.
What’s the Significance of Rameshwaram?
Rameshwaram is one of the holiest places for Hindus and is known for its Ramanathaswamy Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva. It’s one of the Char Dham passage spots and is also notorious for its religious and literal significance.
How do I Reach Rameshwaram?
Rameshwaram is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest field is Madurai Airport, and there are regular trains and buses that connect the city to colorful metropolises in Tamil Nadu.
What’s the Ramanathaswamy Temple Known For?
The Ramanathaswamy Temple is known for its longest corridor in the world, which has intricately sculpted pillars. It’s also notorious for the belief that Lord Rama erected a ground(Adam’s Bridge or Rama Setu) from Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka to deliver his woman Sita from the demon king Ravana.
Are there any other lodestones in Rameshwaram besides the Temple?
Yes, piecemeal from the Ramanathaswamy Temple, you can visit places like Agnitheertham( a sacred bathing spot), Dhanushkodi( a ghost city), Pamban Bridge( a notorious road ground), and the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park( known for its marine biodiversity).
When is a good time to visit Rameshwaram?
The stylish time to visit Rameshwaram is between October and April when the rainfall is fairly affable. The summer months( May to July) can be relatively hot, and the thunderstorm season( July to September) might bring heavy downfall.
