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

At a distance of 2 km from Rameswaram Railway Station, Ramanathaswamy 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 Rameswaram 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. 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.

The temple's legend is closely linked to Lord Rama from the Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to tradition, 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 Ramanathaswamy temple. The Linga brought by Hanuman from Kailash is also housed within the temple and is referred to as Vishwalingam.

Historically, the Sri Ramanathaswamy 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.

Covering an area of 15 acres, the Ramanathaswamy Temple is renowned for its grand architecture, towering structures, intricate sculptures, and extensive corridors, making it a remarkable architectural achievement. The temple is enclosed by formidable walls that rise to heights ranging from 865 feet to 657 feet on all sides. The temple boasts the longest corridor of any Hindu temple in India which was constructed by King Muthuramalinga Sethupathy in the 18th century. The primary deity worshipped here is represented in the form of a lingam. Additionally, there is a significant idol of Nandi, which stands approximately 17.5 feet tall. Other deities honored at this site include Goddess Vishalakshi, Parvathavardhini, Lord Vinayaka, and Lord Subrahmanya, along with the Utsava idol, Sayanagriha, and Perumal.

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.

Entry: Free

Timings: 5 AM - 1 PM & 3 PM - 9 PM