Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram

Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram Timings, Pooja, Entry Fee, History

The most well-known temple at Rameshwaram, a small island connected to the mainland by the Pamban Bridge, is Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is without a doubt the most crucial aspect of a trip to Rameshwaram. This temple is renowned for its elaborate sculptures, imposing towers, and halls, making it a superb illustration of architectural brilliance. One of the twelve jyotirlingas in India, this extremely revered temple is visited by nearly all Hindu devotees. The 22 theerthams in this temple are thought to atone for devotees’ sins. Even the sacred texts of Hinduism place great importance on the temple of Sri Ramanathaswamy. It is associated with Lord Rama and his successful rescuising of Goddess Sita after killing demon Ravana as while on their way back to Ayodhya, it is here that Lord Rama had worshipped Lord Shiva.

The widespread notion that a trip to Kashi would not be complete without a stop at the Rameshwaram temple demonstrates the religious significance of this site. Devotees have been walking and travelling for months or even years to visit both sanctuaries since ancient times.

Legend of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple

Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple’s tradition states that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva there. After defeating the monster Ravana, Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, prayed to Lord Shiva on his way back. The demon Ravana was a Brahmin king who had kidnapped Goddess Sita. Since Lord Rama had killed him to put a stop to his cruelties and save the Goddess, he had made the decision to worship Lord Shiva in order to atone.

Lord Rama had requested Hanuman to bring a lingam from the Himalayas so that prayers may be said. But when Hanuman was unable to deliver the lingam in time, Goddess Sita made her own lingam. Then, at the predetermined auspicious moment, Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was pleased and bestowed his blessing on Lord Rama, who also requested that he appear in the lingam. It is thought that the temple’s sanctum now contains the same lingam.

According to tradition, the temple also houses the lingam that Hanuman carried from Kailash. Hanumalingam or Vishwalingam are the names of the lingam. Prayers are offered at Hanumalingam first, followed by prayers to Lord Ramanathaswamy, as instructed by Lord Rama.

History and Architecture of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple

Up to the 12th century, the old Sri Ramanathaswamy temple is thought to have been housed in a modest thatched hut. Later, the lords of Sethupathy constructed it as a concrete temple. During the numerous reigns from the 12th to the 16th centuries, the temple saw significant additions. To repair the temple’s sanctuary sanctorum, stone blocks were transported from Koneswaram temple in Trincomalee in the thirteenth century. It took place when King Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan was in power. Numerous kingdoms, including Mysore, Travancore, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, and others, have made significant contributions to the construction of this temple, which has resulted in a spectacular structure. Few of the additions to the temple happened later as well, for instance the majestic corridor of the temple was built in 18th century. The present structure of Sri Ramanathaswamy temple was built during 17th century.

The current Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple complex occupies 15 acres of land. Every visitor is captivated by its imposing pillars, expansive hallways, walls, and gopurams. It is situated on an elevated platform and features elaborate sculptures on its granite walls. Huge walls that range in height from 865 to 657 feet enclose this temple on all four sides. With a total length of 3850 feet, the outside corridors of the Rameshwaram temple are thought to be the longest in the world. The main tower of Rajagopuram is about 53 meters high, while the outside corridor has about 1212 pillars that are 30 feet high.

The temple’s northern and southern sides are embellished with gate towers, while the east and west are home to magnificent gopurams. This temple has a lot of fascinating features that captivate everyone. It is also said that the boulders utilised in the corridor were transported from somewhere outside of Tamil Nadu and are not native to this area. Another remarkable aspect is the paved path that forms a chess board that leads from Western Gopuram to Setumadhava shrine, offering a singular perspective. The place where deities are housed during the Spring Festival is known as Chokkattan Mandapam.

Lord Shiva in the form of a lingam is the primary deity of this temple. Lord Rama installed this lingam, which was made by Goddess Sita, after he had prayed to Lord Shiva here. There are two lingams in this temple. The second one, called Vishwalingam or Hanumanlinga, was purchased by Hanuman from Kailash. Additionally, there are shrines to Perumal, Sayanagriha, Utsava Idol, Lord Vinayaka and Lord Subramanya, Goddess Visalakshi, and Parvathavardhini. Nandi is another significant idol. Measuring 17.5 feet in height and 23 and 12 feet in length and width, respectively, this enormous figure inspires devotion not just with its holy aura but also with its unparalleled sculptural brilliance.

Parvathavardhini, Vishwanatha & Visalakshi, Sayanagruha (Palliyarai), Jyothirlinga, Sethumadava, and Sri Ramanthaswamy Temple are among the shrines housed within the temple. It is also renowned for its temple reservoirs. This temple contains twenty-two theertham. To atone for their previous transgressions, devotees travel from all over the world to these temples. The first theertham and regarded as one of the most significant is Agni Theertham.

Festivals at Rameshwaram Temple

The main holidays that are joyfully and enthusiastically observed at Ramanathaswamy Temple are:

1. Maha Shivaratri: This 10-day celebration occurs in February or March. Lord Shiva wed Parvati on this day, rescuing the world from ignorance and darkness. This holiday is enthusiastically commemorated in the temple. Devotees swarm to worship the idols as the lords are paraded around the town on chariots.

2. Vasanthautsavam: This festival is observed for ten days in May and June. The deity is worshipped with an abhisheka of sandal paste, flowers, incense, and rose water as it ushers in the spring.

3. The 10-day Ramalinga Prathista Utsavam celebration is held in June and July. The installation of Sita’s lingam is commemorated on this festival day. In processions, the gods are brought out.

4. Thirukkalyanam: This 17-day celebration, which takes place in July and August, also features an automobile procession.

5. Navratri: This 10-day celebration honouring the Goddess Durga’s nine manifestations takes place in August or September. Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day.

6. Arudhra Darshanam: December and January are the dates of this ten-day celebration. The celebrations take place in Uthirakosamangai, where followers can witness and imagine the magnificent and amazing unveiling of the Nataraj statue, which is covered in sandalwood all year long.

Timings of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram Temple, also known as Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, is available for darshan from 3 PM to 9 PM in the evening and from 5 AM to 1 PM in the morning. All days of the week are open at this temple.

How To Reach Rameshwaram Temple 

Nearly all forms of transportation can reach Rameshwaram Temple, which is situated in the heart of Rameshwaram City. The main mode of transportation in the city is the automobile, and driving to the temple is convenient. Just be cautious to verify whether the fare is calculated using the meter.

You can rent a car or a taxi if you want to go in comfort. You can select the vehicle based on how many people are going to be in it. To avoid the waiting fees, reserve a taxi for a half-day or full day.