Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram

Religious Significance

The temple holds immense religious significance as it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to absolve the sin of killing Ravana. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and one of the four Char Dham sites, making it a mandatory pilgrimage for Hindus. The temple's theerthams are believed to wash away sins, and the sacred tank, Agni Theertham, is associated with the ocean.

History

The temple's origins are ancient, with references in the Ramayana and other Hindu scriptures. The current structure was largely built during the 12th century by the Pandya Dynasty, with subsequent expansions and renovations by the Jaffna Kingdom and the Sethupathi rulers of Ramanathapuram. The temple's grand corridors were added in the 16th century, and the gopurams were completed by various kings over centuries.

Architecture

The temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, featuring a 1000-pillared corridor, massive corridors stretching over 1,200 meters, and 22 theerthams. The main gopurams are 9-tiered and 12-tiered, with the tallest rising to about 40 meters. The pillars are intricately carved with mythological figures, and the corridors are known for their length and grandeur, making it one of the largest temple corridors in the world.

The 22 Theerthams

Temple Layout

The temple is spread over a vast area and comprises several key structures: the main sanctum of Ramanathaswamy (Shiva) and the sanctum of Parvathavardhini (Parvati), the 1000-pillared hall, the massive corridors, the various gopurams, and the 22 theerthams located around the temple. The main shrines are the Ramanathaswamy Shrine and the Viswanathar Shrine, along with shrines for Nataraja, Hanuman, and other deities.

Darshan Guide

The temple offers different darshan options: normal darshan (free) which may involve long queues, and special darshan (paid) which is faster. The darshan timings are generally from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Special darshan tickets can be purchased at the temple office or online.

Rituals & Ceremonies

Key rituals include the abhishekam (holy bath) of the lingam, especially during the early morning hours, and the offering of prayers to the 22 theerthams. The temple also conducts daily poojas, including the Sahasranama Archana (chanting of 1008 names) and the evening aarti. Special rituals are performed during festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Thai Amavasai.

Opening Hours

The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily. The theerthams are accessible during the same hours, but it is recommended to bathe in the sea at Agni Theertham early morning.

Dress Code

Traditional and modest attire is expected. Men are advised to wear dhoti or pants and shirts, while women should wear sarees or salwar kameez. Shorts, mini skirts, and revealing clothing are not allowed.

Entry Fee & Special Darshan

There is no entry fee for the temple. However, a special darshan ticket costs around ₹50–₹100 per person. Camera and video camera fees may apply, typically around ₹30 for still cameras and ₹200 for video cameras.

Facilities

The temple provides facilities such as luggage storage, restrooms, drinking water, and a prasadam counter. There are also facilities for performing abhishekam with materials available for purchase. The temple has ramps for elderly and disabled devotees, and wheelchairs are available on request.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon months (June to September) and the peak summer (April to May) when temperatures are high.

Festivals

Major festivals celebrated at the temple include Maha Shivaratri, Thai Amavasai (new moon day in January/February), Aadi Amavasai, Navaratri, and the annual float festival (Theppotsavam). The temple also celebrates the Ramayana festival and the birth anniversary of Saint Arunagirinathar.

FAQs

Key Highlights

Best Time to Visit

October to April offers pleasant weather for temple visits.

Travel Tips

• Wear modest traditional clothing

• Visit early morning for darshan

• Remove footwear before entering