Ramanathaswamy Temple In Tamil Nadu: Located in Tamil Nadu, the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram is more than just a place of worship - it’s a living testament to devotion, mythology, and architectural brilliance. The Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Drawing pilgrims, spiritual seekers, and travellers from all corners of India and beyond, this sacred shrine holds a special place in Hindu belief as one of the twelve Jyotrlingas and a key Char Dham pilgrimage site.
The temple’s origins trace back to Lord Rama. According to the Tamil Nadu tourism portal, “It is believed that Lord Rama, after defeating the demon king Ravana, wanted to worship Lord Shiva as part of atonement. He asks Hanuman to bring him a Linga from Kashi. When Hanuman delayed his return, Goddess Sita made a Shivalinga using sand so that Rama could offer his prayers. It is believed that the self-same Shiva Linga, known as Ramalingam, is now worshipped at the Ramanathaswamy temple. The lingam brought by Hanuman from Kailash is called Vishwalingam.” The temple is dedicated to God Shiva.
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Ramanathaswamy Temple is counted among the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, self-manifested pillars of Shiva abodes, symbolising his infinite nature, and one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites across India. It's also one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams.
The Ramanathaswamy Temple was built and expanded over several centuries, with the core structure dating back to the 12th century. The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture, renowned for its towering gopurams (gateways), expansive corridors, and intricate carvings. The temple has the longest corridor among all the Hindu temples of India.
Incredible India Ministry of Tourism, Government of India portal states, “Step inside and be captivated by the intricate sculptural works adorning the temple's corridors. These hallways, marvels of architecture in themselves, lead you towards the sanctum sanctorum housing the revered lingam, the embodiment of Lord Shiva.”
“There are 22 Theerthams (holy water bodies) inside the temple where devotees bathe to atone for their sins”, according to the Tamil Nadu tourism official portal.
The Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram stands as a sacred marvel of architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it attracts millions of pilgrims annually. #CultureUnitesAll #AmritMahotsav #TemplesofSouthIndia
— Ministry of Culture (@MinOfCultureGoI) February 18, 2024
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/sRPqPRpvfa
It is believed to possess purifying and healing properties. Devotees perform a ritual of bathing in these Theerthams as a form of spiritual cleansing and to absolve sins.
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Some of the most popular festivals that draw thousands of devotees every year in Ramanathaswamy Temple include: Arudra Darshanam, Ramalinga Pratishtha, Aadi Thirukalyana festival, Maha Shivaratri, and Vasanthotsavam.
The temple opens from 05:00 am to 1:00 pm and again from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
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By Train: The nearest railway station to Ramanathaswamy Temple is Rameswaram Railway Station, which is well connected to major cities. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available outside the railway station.
By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport. From there, take a taxi or bus to Rameshwaram.
With its magnificent, imposing structure, long corridors, and aesthetically carved pillars, the temple is adorned with a towering 38-metre gopuram. The Ramanathaswamy temple by itself is a delight for every tourist.
— Tamil Nadu Tourism (@tntourismoffcl) October 28, 2022
📍- Rameshwaram#fridayvibes #TamilNadu #TamilNaduTourism pic.twitter.com/aQpeCrR61h
By Road: If you're coming from cities like Delhi or Mumbai, there are no direct buses to Rameshwaram. The best way is to first reach a nearby city like Madurai, Trichy, or Chennai by train or flight. From there, you can take a bus to Rameshwaram.
Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram is not just a sight to behold but a beautiful, heart-touching experience.
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Image credit: Freepik, Tamil Nadu Tourism/ Instagram, and Twitter
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