Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Rameshwaram - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Ramanatha Swamy Temple

At a distance of 2 km from Rameswaram Railway Station, Ramanatha Swamy Temple is a Hindu temple located on Rameswaram Island in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the top pilgrimage sites in India, and among the must include places in Rameshwaram tour packages. Ramanathaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve jyotirlinga temples in India. It is also recognized as one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, which are revered sites glorified by the Nayanars (Shaivite poet-saints) such as Appar, Sundarar, and Sambandar through their devotional songs. Additionally, it is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage destinations, and among the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu. The religious importance of this temple can be seen from the popular belief according to which a visit to pilgrimage Kashi is incomplete without a visit to Rameswaram temple.

History of Ramanatha Swamy Temple

Historically, the Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple is believed to be in a humble thatched hut until 12th century. Subsequently, it was transformed into a concrete structure by the Sethupathy rulers. The main sanctum of the temple was renovated by Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan and his successor Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan, who were monarchs of the Jaffna kingdom. Various kingdoms, including Mysore, Travancore, Pudukottai, and Ramanathapuram, have significantly contributed to the temple's development, culminating in its impressive architecture. The current structure of the Sri Ramanathaswamy temple was completed in the 17th century. It serves as a pilgrimage site for followers of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Smarta traditions.

Mythology of Ramanatha Swamy Temple

The temple's legend is closely linked to Lord Rama from the Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to mythology, after defeating the demon king Ravana, Lord Rama sought to worship Lord Shiva as an act of atonement. He instructed Hanuman to retrieve a Linga from Kailash. When Hanuman's return was delayed, Goddess Sita made a Shivalinga from sand to enable Rama to perform his prayers. It is believed that this very Shiva Linga, known as Ramalingam, is now enshrined at the Ramanatha Swamy temple. The Linga brought by Hanuman from Kailash is also housed within the temple and is referred to as Vishwalingam.

Architecture of Ramanatha Swamy Temple

Covering an area of 15 acres, the Ramanatha Swamy Temple is built in Dravidian architectural style, and is renowned for its grand architecture, towering structures, intricate sculptures, and extensive corridors. The temple is enclosed by formidable walls that rise to heights ranging from 865 feet to 657 feet on all sides with huge towers to the east and the west and finished gate towers to the north and south. The eastern Rajagopuram towers to a height of 126 feet and it has nine levels. The temple boasts the longest corridor of any Hindu temple in India which was constructed by King Muthuramalinga Sethupathy in the 18th century.

The inner sanctum of the temple contains two Shiva lingams. The primary Shiva Lingam was crafted by Goddess Sita from sand to facilitate Rama's prayers, while the second, known as Vishwalingam, was brought by Hanuman from Kailash. Furthermore, there is a prominent idol of Nandi, which measures approximately 17.5 feet in height. The temple also features distinct shrines dedicated to Goddess Vishalakshi, Parvathavardhini, Lord Vinayaka, and Lord Subrahmanya. It is believed that the samadhi of the esteemed Yogi Patanjali is located within this temple, accompanied by a separate shrine in his honor. Inside the temple, one can find several halls, including Anuppu Mandapam, Sukravara Mandapam, Setupati Mandapam, Kalyana Mandapam, and Nandi Mandapam.

Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is also renowned for its temple tanks, featuring 22 theerthams within its premises. Pilgrims from around the globe visit to immerse themselves in these theerthams as a means of atoning for their past sins. Agni Theertham, the first of these, is regarded as one of the most significant in Rameswaram. It is believed that the water from each well possesses a unique taste and healing properties.

Festivals of Ramanatha Swamy Temple

Rameshwaram Temple is the center of faith for many Hindu devotees in India. The temple hosts several festivals throughout the year. Maha Shivaratri in February/March, Vasantotsavam in May/June, Ramalinga Pratishtha in May/June, Thirukkalyanam in July/August, and Navaratri in September/October are the most prominent festivals of Ramanatha Swamy Temple that are celebrated with great pomp and fervor.

Rameshwaram Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

The dress code for the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram is modest and traditional. Visitors should cover their shoulders and legs. For men, it should be a pair of dhoti & shirt, pyjama, pants with shirt whereas women must wear churidars and sarees. Anyone wearing jeans, tight leggings, bermudas, or lungi will not be allowed.

Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple beyond the kodimaram (flagpole). However, authorities may permit non-Hindus to visit a particular deity in a temple if they submit a declaration affirming their faith in the deity and their commitment to adhere to the customs and practices of Hinduism, as well as the regulations of the temple.

Rameshwaram Temple Timings

Monday: 5 AM - 1 PM & 3 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 5 AM - 1 PM & 3 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 5 AM - 1 PM & 3 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 5 AM - 1 PM & 3 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 5 AM - 1 PM & 3 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 5 AM - 1 PM & 3 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 5 AM - 1 PM & 3 PM - 9 PM

Rameshwaram Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special darshan available for Rs. 250

Best Time to Visit Rameshwaram Temple

The best month to visit Rameshwaram is between October and February as the weather during this period is pleasant with cool mornings and comfortable evenings, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the temples. During this time, Rameshwaram also hosts the festival of Arudhra Darshanam that celebrates an aspect of Lord Shiva. This is said to be one of the most celebrated festivals amongst all the ones celebrated in Rameshwaram. The summer months of March to June are not ideal for visiting Rameshwaram because of the heat and humidity.

How to Reach Ramanatha Swamy Temple

Ramanatha Swamy Temple is situated on Rameshwaram Island. Visitors can access the temple via bus or by hiring an auto-rickshaw or taxi from the bus stand and railway station. The closest airport to the temple is Madurai Airport, which has good connectivity to major cities across India. From Madurai, travelers can proceed to Rameshwaram by bus or taxi.