Agnitheertham in Rameshwaram

Agnitheertham in Rameshwaram History, Timings & Entry Fee

Numerous well-known temples and theerthams may be found in Rameshwaram. In Sanskrit, the term “agni” means “fire,” and “theertham” means “holy water.” This pilgrimage, which has been mentioned in ancient writings and mythological stories, is very important to Hindu devotees, who come here to worship and cleanse themselves of sins by taking a dip in its sacred waters.

One of the most significant and frequently visited temples in this area is Agni Tirtham. It is situated on Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple’s eastern seashore corner. There are temple tanks inside the temple, but this is the solitary theertham of the temple, and it is situated outside the complex. This theertham has also been mentioned in sacred Hindu texts such as Skanda Purana,Narada Purana and Sethu Purana.

It is stated that before starting their journey to Rameshwaram, devotees first bathe in its sacred water, which is a crucial component of any Rameshwaram tour. Devotees come to this theertham all year long, but bathing here on new and full moon days is said to be the most fortunate.

Legend / History of Agnitheertham, Rameshwaram

Following their return from Lanka, Lord Rama and Goddess Sita are associated with Agnitheertham. On the road back to the kingdom of Ayodhya, Lord Rama stopped here after saving Goddess Sita from the evil Ravana.

The story goes that Lord Rama pleaded to Lord Shiva to atone for his crimes of killing a brahmin after slaying the demon Ravana, who was also a half-Brahmin and a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. He had taken a bath in Agnitheertham’s waters. Because of this, bathing in sacred Agnitheertham is considered to atone for the devotees’ past transgressions, making it a popular destination in Rameshwaram.

This theertham is connected to another mythology. This mythology states that Lord Rama had doubted Goddess Sita’s chastity when they returned from Lanka, which is why the Goddess underwent Agnipariksha.

Goddess Sita had ordered Lord Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama, to light a fire after hearing the questions expressed about her. Then, to demonstrate her innocence, she sat in the fire. She was unharmed despite sitting in the flames, and Lord Agni seemed to demonstrate the Goddess’ purity.He later bathed in the sea, prayed to Lord Shiva, and had his sin of touching Goddess Sita when she was sitting in fire washed away by Lord Angi. Today, this location is known as Agnitheertham.

Holy Baths at Agnitheertham, Rameshwaram

By bathing in the sacred waters of Agnitheertham, followers are thought to be able to atone for their sins. Some people believe that childless couples can become parents if they bathe in its water and pray to Lord Shiva. A lot of devotees gather here to offer their prayers for kids. Devotees also go there to perform rituals upon the death of a loved one and to pray for the tranquilly and moksha of their ancestors.

How to Reach Agnitheertham, Rameshwaram

Agnitheertham is conveniently reachable by road using a variety of transit options. There are buses from the Rameshwaram bus stop to Agnitheertham if you’re taking public transportation.

There aren’t many buses from Rameshwaram railway station, therefore visitors can get to the theertham by horse-drawn carriage or autorickshaw. Additionally, visitors can walk to the 6-line location, which is just 300 meters from the train station. Agnitheertham may be reached by bus from here.