Accommodation

There are numerous accommodation options near the temple, ranging from budget dharamshalas to mid-range hotels and a few luxury resorts. The temple trust runs several 'choultries' (pilgrim lodges) with basic amenities at affordable rates. Some popular options include: Hotel Tamil Nadu (run by TTDC), Hotel Saravana, Hotel Amman, Hotel Ramanathapuram, and Hotel Royal Park. For a more comfortable stay, there are resorts like 'The Blue Coral' and 'Dhanushkodi Beach Resort' located a short drive from the temple. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during festival seasons and weekends.

Legend

• •The legend of Rameshwaram is deeply intertwined with the epic Ramayana.
• •According to the Ramayana, after defeating the demon king Ravana, Lord Rama returned to this island to absolve himself of the sin of 'Brahmahatya' (killing a Brahmin, as Ravana was a Brahmin).
• •He wanted to worship Lord Shiva to atone for this sin.
• •As there was no temple, he sent Hanuman to Mount Kailash to bring a lingam.
• •However, when Hanuman was delayed, Rama and Sita created a lingam from sand (the 'Ramalingam' or 'Rameshwaram' lingam) and worshipped it.
• •When Hanuman returned with the Kailash lingam (the 'Viswalingam'), Rama, to honor Hanuman's devotion, installed both lingams, with the instruction that devotees should worship the Ramalingam first.
• •The temple is also believed to be the place where Rama performed the 'Rudrabhishekam' to seek Shiva's blessings.
• •The island is also associated with the legend of Jatayu, the vulture king who fought Ravana to save Sita, and his ashes are said to be scattered here.

Rituals

• •The temple follows a strict daily routine of rituals and ceremonies.
• •The day begins with the 'Sparishtam' (opening of the sanctum) at 5:00 AM, followed by the 'Ushathkalam' (early morning abhishekam) and 'Alankaram' (decoration of the deity).
• •The main 'Abhishekam' (ritual bathing of the lingam) is performed at 7:00 AM with panchagavya (five cow products), milk, curd, honey, sandalwood paste, and rose water.
• •The 'Kalasanthi' pooja is held at 10:00 AM, and the 'Uchikalam' (noon) pooja at 12:00 PM.
• •The evening rituals include 'Sayarakshai' (at 6:00 PM) and the 'Ardhajamam' (at 8:00 PM) when the deities are adorned in special attire and aarti (fire offering) is performed.
• •The most significant ritual for devotees is the 'Theerthavari' – a holy bath in the 22 theerthams (sacred wells) located within the temple premises.
• •These theerthams are believed to be created by Rama and are said to have healing properties.
• •Devotees are advised to bathe in all 22 theerthams before darshan, as it is believed to cleanse the soul.
• •The 'Rudrabhishekam' (special abhishekam) is also performed on request for an additional fee.
• •The temple also conducts special aartis during festivals and on Mondays, which are considered highly auspicious.

Tips

• •Plan your visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and have a peaceful darshan.
• •It is customary to take a holy dip in the Agnitheertham (sea) before entering the temple.
• •Bathing in the 22 theerthams is a must, but be prepared to wait in a queue; it is advisable to take a bath in all theerthams in order.
• •Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, as you will need to walk barefoot inside the temple (shoes are not allowed).
• •Keep your valuables in the locker to avoid loss.
• •Hire an official guide for a detailed explanation of the temple's history and significance.
• •If you have time, visit the nearby Dhanushkodi and Ram Setu (Adam's Bridge) for a scenic and spiritual experience.
• •Respect the temple customs and maintain silence in the sanctum.
• •Carry some cash for offerings and prasadam, as card payments may not be accepted at all counters.
• •Avoid visiting during the peak summer months if you are sensitive to heat.

Nearby Attractions

• •Rameshwaram is surrounded by several places of spiritual and scenic interest.
• •The most notable is the 'Agnitheertham' beach, just a short walk from the temple, where devotees take a purifying dip.
• •The 'Dhanushkodi' beach, about 18 km away, is a ruined town that was destroyed by a cyclone in 1964 and is now a popular tourist spot.
• •The 'Ram Setu' (Adam's Bridge), visible from Dhanushkodi, is a chain of limestone shoals believed to be the bridge built by Lord Rama's army.
• •Other attractions include the 'Kothandaramaswamy Temple' (where Rama is said to have crowned Vibhishana), the 'Five-faced Hanuman Temple' (with a floating stone), the 'Jatayu Tirtha' (where Jatayu's ashes are believed to be buried), and the 'Gandamadana Parvatham' (a hillock with the imprint of Lord Rama's feet).
• •The 'Pamban Bridge' and the 'Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge' are engineering marvels worth seeing.
• •The nearby 'Rameshwaram Marine National Park' and 'Kurusadai Island' are also interesting for nature lovers.

Rituals

• •The temple follows a strict daily routine of rituals and ceremonies.
• •The day begins with the 'Sparishtam' (opening of the sanctum) at 5:00 AM, followed by the 'Ushathkalam' (early morning abhishekam) and 'Alankaram' (decoration of the deity).
• •The main 'Abhishekam' (ritual bathing of the lingam) is performed at 7:00 AM with panchagavya (five cow products), milk, curd, honey, sandalwood paste, and rose water.
• •The 'Kalasanthi' pooja is held at 10:00 AM, and the 'Uchikalam' (noon) pooja at 12:00 PM.
• •The evening rituals include 'Sayarakshai' (at 6:00 PM) and the 'Ardhajamam' (at 8:00 PM) when the deities are adorned in special attire and aarti (fire offering) is performed.
• •The most significant ritual for devotees is the 'Theerthavari' – a holy bath in the 22 theerthams (sacred wells) located within the temple premises.
• •These theerthams are believed to be created by Rama and are said to have healing properties.
• •Devotees are advised to bathe in all 22 theerthams before darshan, as it is believed to cleanse the soul.
• •The 'Rudrabhishekam' (special abhishekam) is also performed on request for an additional fee.
• •The temple also conducts special aartis during festivals and on Mondays, which are considered highly auspicious.

Architecture

• •The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, built over several centuries by various rulers, including the Pandya, Jaffna, and Vijayanagara kings.
• •The temple complex is vast, covering an area of about 15 acres.
• •Its most striking feature is the 'Third Corridor' (the outer corridor), which is the longest in the world, stretching about 1,220 meters (4,000 feet).
• •This corridor is lined with over 4,000 carved pillars, each intricately decorated with sculptures of gods, goddesses, and mythological figures.
• •The pillars are elevated on a raised platform, creating a majestic and awe-inspiring walkway.
• •The temple also has two main gopurams (towers) – the eastern Rajagopuram (approximately 53 meters tall) and the western gopuram (approximately 28 meters) – both adorned with colorful sculptures and elaborate carvings.
• •Other architectural highlights include the 'Sethupathi' style pillars, the 'Hall of 1000 Pillars' (though actually it has 985), and the 'Nandi' pavilion.
• •The sanctum sanctorum houses the two lingams – the primary 'Ramalingam' (sand lingam) and the 'Viswalingam' (brought by Hanuman), which are placed in the same chamber but separated by an inner wall.
• •The temple's layout, with its long corridors, is designed to facilitate the circumambulation of the deity, and it is a fine example of the architectural brilliance of the medieval era.

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