Magnificent Ramanathaswamy Temple: A Marvel of Architecture

Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is located on the island of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is also called a Rameshwaram temple. The glory of the temple was raised by the three most revered saints named Sundarar, Appar, and Tirungnana Sambandar with their songs. Ramanathaswamy temple is known for its longest corridor among Hindu temples.

Legend of Ramanathaswamy Temple:

According to Ramayana, Lord Rama killed demon king Ravana during the battle. As Ravana is also known for his knowledge hub and has Brahmin genes, Lord Rama felt he committed sins during the battle. In order to absolve sins, he wanted to pray to Lord Shiva and directed Hanuman to bring the largest lingam from the Himalayas. As Hanuman couldn’t return on time and as it was getting late, Sita (wife of Lord Rama) built a small lingam made with sand.

Lord Rama almost finished performing rituals to the linga before Hanuman landed with the large linga. Hanuman wanted to remove the sand linga and replace it with the one he bought from the Himalayas with his tail but was not successful. As it was prayed by Sri Rama by having a bath in Danushkoti, it is called “Ramalingam”. Sri Rama asked Hanuman to place Vishwalingam Lingam on the north side of Ramalingam and ordered devotees to worship Vishwalingam Lingam first and then to Ramalingam.

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century by the Pandya dynasty. The temple was later expanded and renovated by various other rulers, including the Cholas, the Vijayanagara Empire, and the Sethupathi dynasty.

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in his purest form. It is also one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, the temples that are revered by the Nayanars, the poet-saints of Shaivism.

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a massive structure, with a long corridor that is lined with over 1200 pillars. The temple also has a large sanctum sanctorum, where the two lingams are worshipped.

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over the world. It is especially significant during the month of Karthika (October-November), when millions of pilgrims visit the temple to take a holy bath in the sea and perform other rituals.

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Significance of Ramanathaswamy Temple Rameshwaram:

The significance of the Ramanathaswamy Temple is manifold. First, it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva before he built the Rama Setu to cross over to Lanka and rescue his wife Sita. Second, the temple is home to one of the largest lingams in the world, which is said to have been installed by Rama himself. Third, the temple complex is home to 22 sacred wells, or theerthams, which are said to have healing powers.

Here are some of the specific benefits of visiting the Ramanathaswamy Temple:

• It is believed that visiting the temple and worshipping Lord Shiva can help to absolve one’s sins and lead to moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• The 22 theerthams in the temple complex are said to have healing powers for a variety of ailments.
• The temple is a powerful place of spiritual energy, and many devotees experience a sense of peace and tranquility when they visit.
• The temple is also a beautiful and historic structure, and it is a great place to learn about Hindu culture and architecture.

Like other ancient temples in south India, it is also built with four corridors; the outer corridor is the longest corridor in the world having 6.9 meters in height. You find separate shrines for Ramanathaswami and Goddess Visalakshi separated with corridors. You find 4,000 brilliantly carved huge pillars of approximately 1220 meters in height.

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Architecture of Ramanathaswamy Temple Rameshwaram:

Gopurams (Gateway Towers): The temple complex is surrounded by massive and intricately carved gopurams or gateway towers. These towers are a hallmark of Dravidian architecture and are adorned with colorful sculptures, deities, and intricate designs. There are several such towers in the temple complex, with the eastern tower being the largest.

Corridors: The temple boasts one of the longest temple corridors in India, with a total of 1212 intricately carved pillars. These corridors, known as “prakarams,” provide space for circumambulation (circumambulating the sanctum sanctorum) and are adorned with beautiful art.

Mandapams: The temple features numerous mandapams or halls with unique architectural features. The most famous among these is the 1000-pillar hall, which, as the name suggests, has intricately carved pillars. Each pillar is different and showcases various mythical stories and deities.

The Sanctum Sanctorum: The main deity of the temple, Lord Ramanathaswamy (an aspect of Lord Shiva), resides in the sanctum sanctorum. The lingam (an abstract representation of Lord Shiva) is worshipped here. The sanctum is made of a single rock, and it’s believed to have been consecrated by Lord Rama himself.

Corbelled Arches: The temple’s architecture includes the extensive use of corbelled arches, a feature typical of Dravidian architecture. These arches provide structural stability and give the temple its unique look.

Dravidian Style: The Ramanathaswamy Temple exemplifies the Dravidian architectural style, which is characterized by its pyramidal tower design, sculpted decorations, and use of vast open spaces for congregational activities. The style is prevalent in many South Indian temples and is noted for its grandeur and intricate craftsmanship.

Sculptures and Carvings: The temple is adorned with countless sculptures and carvings of gods, goddesses, mythological creatures, and scenes from Hindu epics. The level of detail in these carvings is remarkable and reflects the skill and artistry of the artisans of that era.

Agnitheertham: The temple is situated near the sea, and the holy Agnitheertham is the bathing ghat where devotees take a ritual dip before entering the temple. The temple complex also includes a separate shrine for Goddess Parvati.

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Places to visit near Ramanathaswamy Temple Rameshwaram:

1. Agni Teertham: It’s the main seafront where pilgrims take a ritual dip before entering the temple. Agni Teertham is a popular spot for spiritual activities and witnessing the sunset.
2. Dhanushkodi: A ghost town located at the southeastern tip of Pamban Island, Dhanushkodi offers a surreal landscape with its ruined buildings and pristine beaches. It’s a significant historical site due to its connection with the Ramayana.
3. Gandhamadhana Parvatham: This hillock is associated with the mythological story of Lord Rama’s search for a remedy for his wife Sita. It offers panoramic views of Rameswaram and the surrounding islands.
4. Kothandaramaswamy Temple: Located around 12 kilometers from Rameswaram, this temple is associated with the Ramayana and features beautifully painted murals depicting scenes from the epic.
5. Pamban Bridge: Also known as the Indira Gandhi Bridge, this is a historical cantilever bridge that connects Rameswaram Island to the Indian mainland. The bridge offers breathtaking views and is an engineering marvel.
6. Adam’s Bridge (Rama’s Bridge): This chain of limestone shoals is believed to be the remnants of a bridge built by Lord Rama’s monkey army to Lanka. The site has both historical and geological significance.
7. Rama Teertham: This is a temple and water tank believed to have been created by Lord Rama during his search for Sita. It’s located about 7 kilometers from the town.
8. Kalam National Memorial: This museum is dedicated to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, who hailed from Rameswaram. It showcases his life, achievements, and contributions to science and technology.
9. Villoondi Theertham: This is a holy pond located about 6 kilometers from Rameswaram where it is believed that Lord Rama quenched the thirst of his army by shooting an arrow into the ground to bring forth sweet water.
10. Five-faced Hanuman Temple: Located in the Rameswaram town, this temple has an idol of Lord Hanuman with five faces. It’s a popular place of worship and devotion.

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FAQ:

What is the Ramanathaswamy Temple?

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the town of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in his purest form. The temple is also one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India, and is known for its long corridor, which is said to be the longest in the world.

When is the Ramanathaswamy Temple open?

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day.

How can I book aarti tickets?

Aarti tickets are not required to visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple. However, there is a limited number of seats available for the main aarti at 6:00 PM. These seats can be booked at the temple counter on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the dress code for visiting the Ramanathaswamy Temple?

Devotees are requested to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the Ramanathaswamy Temple. Men are advised to wear dhotis or kurtas, and women are advised to wear saris or salwar kameezes. Short skirts, tank tops, and other revealing clothing are not permitted.

What items are not allowed inside the Ramanathaswamy Temple?

The following items are not allowed inside the Ramanathaswamy Temple:

• Electronic devices, such as mobile phones, cameras, and laptops
• Leather goods, such as belts and shoes
• Weapons
• Food and drinks

What is the best time to visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple?

The best time to visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple is early in the morning or late in the evening, when the crowds are smaller. However, the temple is open all day long, so you can visit at any time that is convenient for you.

How to reach Ramanathaswamy Temple?

Rameshwaram is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest railway station is Rameshwaram Railway Station, which is about 1 km from the temple. The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, which is about 160 km from the temple. You can also take a bus or taxi from Madurai to reach Rameshwaram.

Where can I stay near Ramanathaswamy Temple?

There are a number of hotels and guesthouses located near Ramanathaswamy Temple. You can find accommodation to suit all budgets.

What are the origins of the Ramanathaswamy Temple?

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is believed to have been built by Lord Rama himself, when he was on his way to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from Ravana. According to legend, Rama built the temple to worship Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.

What are the main features of the Ramanathaswamy Temple?

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a beautiful and imposing structure. The main temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple has a tall shikhara, or tower, which is topped by a golden dome. The temple also has a number of smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities.

What are the important festivals celebrated at the Ramanathaswamy Temple?

The Ramanathaswamy Temple celebrates a number of important festivals throughout the year. The most important festival is the Ramanathaswamy Brahmotsavam, which is celebrated in April or May. Other important festivals include the Mahashivratri, which is celebrated in February or March, and the Navaratri, which is celebrated in September or October.

How to reach Ramanathaswamy Temple Rameshwaram:

By Train:

Rameswaram has a railway station, Rameswaram Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. Trains from cities like Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, and other prominent locations have regular services to Rameswaram. Once you reach the railway station, the temple is about 2 kilometers away, and you can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or even walk to the temple.

By Air:

The nearest airport to Rameswaram is Madurai Airport, which is approximately 174 kilometers away. From Madurai Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Rameswaram. The journey by road may take around 3-4 hours.

By Road:

Rameswaram is well-connected by road to various parts of Tamil Nadu. You can use the Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses or hire a taxi to reach Rameswaram. If you’re traveling from cities like Madurai, Chennai, or other nearby locations, you can easily drive to Rameswaram.

By Sea (Ferry):

Rameswaram is situated on an island, and you can also access it via the Pamban Bridge. There are ferry services available from Dhanushkodi to reach the island. You can take a ferry ride, which is not only a mode of transportation but also a scenic experience.

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