Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram, a sacred Hindu shrine, is famous for its Jyotirlinga, longest corridors, and mythological significance.
- Location: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, India
- Dedicated To: Lord Shiva
- Significance: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas & part of the Char Dham pilgrimage
- Architecture: Dravidian style with massive corridors and carved pillars
- Famous For: 22 Theerthams (holy wells), longest temple corridor in the world
Historical & Mythological Significance:
1. Mythological Significance – Connection to the Ramayana
The Ramanathaswamy Temple,Rameshwaram is deeply linked to the Ramayana, one of Hinduism’s greatest epics.
- After Lord Rama defeated Ravana, he wanted to atone for Brahmahatya Dosha (the sin of killing a Brahmin) because Ravana was a Brahmin king.
- Rama decided to worship Lord Shiva at Rameshwaram and install a Shiva Lingam.
- Sita Devi made a Shiva Lingam out of sand for worship. This lingam is known as Ramalingam and is the main deity of the temple.
- Rama sent Hanuman to Mount Kailash to bring a Shiva Lingam from Lord Shiva’s abode, but Hanuman was delayed.
- To avoid waiting, Rama worshipped the sand lingam. When Hanuman returned with the lingam, Lord Rama asked him to place it near the Ramalingam. This second lingam is known as Vishwalingam.
- Even today, the Vishwalingam is worshipped first in the temple before Ramalingam, as per Lord Rama’s instructions.
2. Rama Setu (Adam’s Bridge) and Hanuman’s Role
- The temple is also associated with the Rama Setu (Adam’s Bridge), the mythical bridge built by Rama’s army of Vanaras (monkeys) to reach Lanka.
- It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva before crossing the ocean and sought his blessings for victory over Ravana.
- After the battle, he returned to Rameshwaram to perform the purification rituals.
3. Historical Significance
- The temple has been mentioned in various ancient texts like the Skanda Purana and Ramayana.
- Adi Shankaracharya, the great Hindu philosopher, is believed to have visited the temple to promote Shaivism.
- The temple’s Dravidian architecture suggests that it was expanded by rulers from different dynasties, including the Pandya, Chola, Vijayanagara, and Sethupathi kings.
- The temple’s massive corridors, the longest in the world, were built in the 17th century by the Sethupathi rulers.
Temple Architecture:
- Corridors: The temple has the longest corridor in the world, measuring around 1.2 km.
- Pillars: The temple has 1,212 intricately carved pillars, standing 22 feet tall.
- Gopurams (Temple Towers):
- Eastern Tower – 126 feet high
- Western Tower – 78 feet high
- Main Deity: Ramanathaswamy (Shiva Lingam)
- Shrines:
- Main shrine: Lord Ramanathaswamy (Shiva)
- Separate shrines for Parvati, Vishwanathar, Visalakshi, and Sethumadhava
Theerthams (Sacred Water Bodies)
The temple has 22 Theerthams (holy wells) where pilgrims take a ritual bath before darshan. It is believed that bathing in these wells cleanses one of sins. The most sacred one is Agni Theertham, located at the sea shore.
Some important Theerthams:
- Agni Theertham (Sea water)
- Mahalakshmi Theertham
- Ganga Theertham
- Yamuna Theertham
- Shiva Theertham
- Hanuman Theertham
Temple Timings:
- Morning Darshan: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Evening Darshan: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Special poojas and abhishekams are conducted daily.
Festivals Celebrated:
- Maha Shivaratri – Grand celebrations with special abhishekams and processions.
- Navaratri – Celebrated with great devotion.
- Thai Amavasai – Special rituals for ancestors.
- Arudra Darshan – Celebrates Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance.
- Rama Navami – Dedicated to Lord Rama.
How to Reach Rameshwaram Temple:
- By Air: Nearest airport – Madurai (170 km)
- By Train: Rameshwaram Railway Station (just 2 km away)
- By Road: Well connected by buses and private vehicles
Nearby Attractions:
- Dhanushkodi – Abandoned ghost town with scenic views.
- Pamban Bridge – India’s first sea bridge.
- Rama Setu (Adam’s Bridge) – Mythological bridge connecting India & Sri Lanka.
Ramanathaswamy Temple is a must-visit for devotees and history lovers. The temple’s architecture, religious significance, and the spiritual experience of the theerthams make it one of India’s holiest places.