Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga Guide

Summary

• •A revered Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its long, ornate corridors and 22 sacred wells (theerthams) where devotees bathe.
• •It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.

Religious Significance

Rameshwaram is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The 12 Jyotirlingas are: Somnath (Gujarat), Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh), Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh), Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh), Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), Bhimashankar (Maharashtra), Viswanath (Uttar Pradesh), Tryambakeshwar (Maharashtra), Vaidyanath (Jharkhand), Nageshwar (Gujarat), Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu), and Grishneshwar (Maharashtra). Rameshwaram is unique as it is the southernmost Jyotirlinga and is associated with Lord Rama, making it a place of great importance for Vaishnavites and Shaivites alike. It is also one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites (along with Badrinath, Puri, and Dwarka), believed to be the gateway to Moksha. The temple is considered to have the power to cleanse all sins, and a dip in the sacred 'Agnitheertham' (the sea) is said to wash away all impurities.

Dress Code

Devotees are expected to dress modestly and traditionally. Men can wear dhoti or trousers, but it is recommended to wear a dhoti for the rituals. Women can wear sarees, salwar kameez, or any modest attire. Shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops are not allowed. The temple authorities provide 'dhotis' and 'sarees' for rent or purchase at the entrance for those who may not have appropriate clothing.

Facilities

The temple offers a range of facilities for pilgrims: free drinking water, shoe storage, cloakroom, and locker facilities for valuables. There are also 'prasadam' counters where devotees can purchase offerings like 'vibhuti' (sacred ash), 'kumkum' (vermilion), and 'rudraksha' beads. The temple has a 'Yatra' (pilgrim) assistance desk and provides wheelchairs for the elderly and disabled. There is a 'Go Shala' (cow shelter) and a 'Veda Pathashala' (Vedic school) within the premises. The temple also has a 'Bhojanalaya' (dining hall) that serves free meals to devotees at specific times, and a 'Kalyana Mandapam' for conducting weddings and other ceremonies. Toilet facilities are available, and there are several 'dharamshalas' (pilgrim rest houses) run by the temple trust.

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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