The Rameshwaram Temple, also known as the Ramanathaswamy Temple, located in Tamil Nadu, is a captivating fusion of awe-inspiring architecture and profound spiritual significance. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it holds the distinction of being one of India's 12 Jyotirlinga temples. The temple's architectural splendor is equally enchanting, featuring the world's longest corridor adorned with immaculate carvings on its pillars, truly a feast for the eyes.
. Over the centuries, various rulers have contributed to the temple's construction, making it a captivating blend of historical and cultural influences. Inside the temple, you can find two lingams - Ramalingam and Shivalingam. While both hold immense significance, the latter is worshipped first, honoring the words and actions of Lord Rama.
The temple comes alive with daily Abhishkams (ritual bathing) and poojas (offerings) conducted with immense fervor and devotion. It is during festive occasions, however, that the temple truly radiates an absorbing atmosphere. Witnessing these vibrant celebrations is an experience, that fills your heart with a sense of spiritual wonder.
History and legends
According to legends, after Lord Rama valiantly vanquished Ravana, a Brahmin, to rescue his beloved wife, Sita, he sought to atone for the perceived sin of killing a Brahmin. Seeking sage guidance, Lord Rama, accompanied by Sita and his brother, Lord Lakshmana, installed and worshipped a lingam to absolve his sins.
According to belief and ancient lore, the town of Dhanushkodi holds a significant place in history as the location where Lord Rama entrusted Lord Hanumana with a divine task. Lord Rama commanded Hanuman to construct a bridge that would enable his mighty army to cross over to Sri Lanka, where the demon king Ravana had held Sita captive. With unwavering dedication, Lord Hanuman fulfilled the divine order, and it was at this very place that the renowned Ram Setu, also known as the Adam's Bridge, was meticulously built by the Vanara Sena.
Desiring to worship the most giant lingam, Lord Rama entrusted Hanuman with the task of bringing one from the Himalayas. However, as it was taking longer than expected, Sita ingeniously crafted a small lingam, known as Ramalingam, from sand, which remains present in the sanctum to this day. Though Hanuman was initially disheartened that Lord Rama did not worship the lingam brought by him, Lord Rama honored Hanuman's devotion by placing his lingam, named Shivalingam, alongside Ramalingam.
Originally, the Rameshwaram Temple was merely a humble shed. Its magnificent present structure is a testament to the efforts of the rulers of the Setupathi dynasty over the centuries. In the seventeenth century, Dalavai Setupati played a crucial role in constructing a portion of the eastern Gopuram. Later, in the late eighteenth century, Muthuramalinga built the world-famous third corridor, known as Chokkatan Mandapam. The Jaffna kings of the Sethupathy dynasty also made commendable contributions to the temple. King Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan facilitated the shipment of stone blocks from the Koneswaram temple to aid in the temple's renovation, while his successor, Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan, oversaw its structural development.
The Rameshwaram Temple boasts a captivating architecture that draws tourists from all corners of the globe. As with many temples in South India, it is enclosed by a high wall, or madil, safeguarding its sanctity from all directions. The impressive dimensions of this wall span approximately 865 feet from east to west and 675 feet from north to south. Within the temple, visitors are greeted by lengthy corridors adorned with colossal colonnades, elevated on five feet high platforms. The second corridor, crafted with sandstone pillars, beams, and ceiling, leads the way through the temple's interior. On the western side lies the third corridor, providing access to the revered Setumadhava shrine. Combined, these corridors extend for an astonishing 3850 feet, proudly holding the distinction of being the longest in the world.
An awe-inspiring sight within the temple precincts is the outer corridor featuring an astounding 1212 outstanding pillars, among which the 53-meter-tall Rajagopuram stands out as a prominent tower. The main halls of the temple, namely Anuppu Mandapam, Sukravara Mandapam, Setupati Mandapam, Kalyana Mandapam, and Nandi Mandapam, add to the architectural grandeur.
Inside the temple, two significant lingams are venerated. The primary deity, Ramalingam, was erected by Sita herself, carrying a profound historical significance. The second lingam, Vishwalingam, holds a story of devotion as it was brought from Kailash by Hanuman. Complementing the spiritual experience, the temple premises house twenty-two tirthas or holy water bodies. Among them, the Agni Theertham holds particular significance, and devotees immerse themselves in these sacred waters to cleanse themselves of sins.
By air: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, 149 km away.
By rail: Rameshwaram has its own railway station.
By road: Rameshwaram is well connected to the national highway. Tourists can charter a public or private bus to reach there with ease.
Local transport: You can commute internally in Rameshwaram by
chartering a taxi or rickshaw.
Rameshwaram Temple can be visited throughout the year but to avoid hot
weather conditions tourists can visit around October- April.
Tamil is widely spoken here but tourists can communicate
with the locals in English and Hindi.
Filter Coffee, Rasam, Sambhar, Idli, Vada, Dosa, etc are all must-try delicacies in Rameshwaram. Soft spongy idli steaming hot straight from the stove is served with delicious chutney at various small shops here.
Tamil Nadu
