All about Rameshwaram
Located in the Gulf of Mannar, Rameshwaram is a famous island city that holds significant historical and mythological value. It is the place where Lord Rama halted during his preparation to wage a war against King Ravana who had abducted his wife, Sita. The Ramanathaswamy temple is where Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva. It is the place where the Rama Setu Bridge was laid out by Vanaras (the army of Lord Rama) for the purpose of bringing Sita back.
Yes, the Ramanathaswamy temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlinga meaning “Pillar of light”.
Rameshwaram is an all around the year tourist and pilgrim destination. However, the best time to visit this coastal region is from October to April. Rameshwaram receives its annual rainfall in winter.
Rameswaram is one of the Char Dham literally meaning ‘the four abodes/seats’ of Lord Vishnu (one of three Trinity Gods of Hinduism). The other three dhams are: Badrinath, Dwarka, and Jagannath Puri. These places are widely revered by Hindus and are believed to bestow moksh (salvation) to devotees visiting them with utmost faith. Located in Tamil Nadu, Rameshwaram is the place where Lord Ram along with his brother Laxman and ardent devotee Hanuman, built a bridge (Rama Setu) to reach Sri Lanka to rescue his wife, Sita, who had been abducted by Ravan, the powerful king of Sri Lanka.
The Ramanatha Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva occupies a major area of Rameswaram. The temple is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Rama. Rameswaram is significant for the Hindus. And a pilgrimage to Kasi is incomplete without a pilgrimage to Rameswaram. Here, the presiding deity Shiva is in the form of a Ling with the name Sri Ramanatha Swamy, it also is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga.
It is better to keep 2 hours for the darshan of the main temple deity Shri Ramanathaswamy in peak season. Bathing in the holy wells of the temple plus the temple tour takes 2 hours. So, keep 4 hours.
The road distance from Kanyakumari to Rameshwaram is 298 km.
In Rameswaram Temple, a Mani Darshan is held early in the morning every day. This “Mani” is made of “spatik”, which is a precious crystal in the form of the “Holy Shivling”. According to legend, this is “Mani” of “Sheshnag” (The Snake on which Lord Vishnu rests). Both general as well as special tickets are available to get Mani Darshan.
Although the Shiv ling was consecrated by Rama, the temple in its current structure was built during the 12th century by Pandya Dynasty. Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram is renowned for the collection of Shivlings it houses. The temple also happens to be one of the few temples in India that is built entirely in the Dravidian architectural style. It houses the largest pillared corridor among all the temples of India with 1212 pillars. The temple also attracts visitors because of its architecture.
Rameswaram is overall a safe place; however, it is not advisable to venture out after 10 pm alone.
Although taking baths in these wells is not compulsory, it is advisable to stick to the tradition and take bath in the 22 tirthas or wells. Legend has it that taking bath in these wells will absolve a person of all his/her sins.
Located in Tamil Nadu, this is the place where Lord Ram along with his brother Laxman and ardent devotee Hanuman, built a bridge (Rama Setu) to reach Sri Lanka to rescue his wife, Sita, who had been abducted earlier by Ravan, the powerful king of Sri Lanka. The Ramanatha Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva occupies a major area of Rameswaram. The temple is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Rama, who created a Shiv ling here after undergoing severe penance to obtain Lord Shiva’s blessings. Rameswaram is significant for the Hindus. And a pilgrimage to Kashi is incomplete without a pilgrimage to Rameswaram. Here, the presiding deity Shiva is in the form of a Ling with the name Sri Ramanatha Swamy, it also is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga.
