Spiritual Places To Visit In Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram | Pilgrimage Destination India

Spiritual Places To Visit In Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram

Ramanathaswamy Temple is situated on Rameswaram Island and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and is famous for its long corridors with intricately carved pillars. The temple complex covers an area of over 15 acres and is divided into two parts, the outer courtyard and the inner sanctum. The temple has 22 holy water tanks, also known as Tirthams, which are considered to be sacred and purifying. 

Spiritual Places in Ramanathaswamy Temple 

Ramanathaswamy Temple holds great spiritual significance for Hindus and is believed to have been built by Lord Rama. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva to seek his blessings before embarking on his journey to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. It is believed that Lord Rama installed the Shiva Linga, which is the main deity of the temple, and offered prayers to Lord Shiva before crossing the sea to Lanka. The temple is also considered a significant part of the Char Dham Yatra, which is a pilgrimage to four holy places in India. 

Shiva Linga 

The Shiva Linga is the main deity of the Ramanathaswamy Temple and is believed to have been installed by Lord Rama himself. The Shiva Linga is considered to be one of the most powerful and sacred in India and is worshipped by thousands of devotees every day. 

Ramanathaswamy Temple Corridors 

The Ramanathaswamy Temple corridors are one of the most unique features of the temple. The corridors are 197 meters long and are supported by intricately carved pillars. The corridors are believed to be the longest in the world and are considered to be a sacred space for meditation and reflection. 

Ramanathaswamy Temple Towers 

The Ramanathaswamy Temple towers are another significant feature of the temple. The temple has 22 towers, which are known as Gopurams, and are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The tallest tower is the eastern tower, which stands at a height of 53 meters and is one of the tallest temple towers in India. 

Tirthams 

The Ramanathaswamy Temple has 22 holy water tanks, also known as Tirthams, which are considered to be sacred and purifying. The water in these tanks is believed to have medicinal properties and is said to cure various ailments. 

Gandhamadhana Parvatham 

Gandhamadhana Parvatham is a small hillock located about 3 km from the Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is believed that Lord Rama stood on this hill and prayed to Lord Shiva before crossing the sea to Lanka. The hill offers a panoramic view of Rameswaram and is considered a sacred spot for meditation 

Agnitheertham 

Agnitheertham is a popular beach located near the Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is believed that Lord Rama took a dip in the sea at this spot before installing the Shiva Linga in the temple. The beach is considered to be sacred and attracts thousands of devotees every day. 

Kothandaramaswamy Temple 

Kothandaramaswamy Temple is another famous temple located in Rameswaram. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is believed to have been built by him. The temple has beautiful carvings and sculptures depicting the story of Lord Rama. 

Pamban Bridge 

Pamban Bridge is a famous railway bridge located in Rameswaram. The bridge connects Rameswaram Island to the mainland and is considered to be an engineering marvel. The bridge offers a breathtaking view of the sea and is a popular tourist attraction in Rameswaram. 

Five-faced Hanuman Temple 

The Five-faced Hanuman Temple is located near the Ramanathaswamy Temple and is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is known for its unique idol of Lord Hanuman with five faces, representing the five elements of nature. 

Ram Setu 

Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals located between Rameswaram Island and Sri Lanka. According to Hindu mythology, Ram Setu was built by Lord Rama and his army of monkeys to cross the sea and reach Lanka. The bridge is considered to be a significant part of the Ramayana and attracts many visitors every year. 

Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram is a significant pilgrimage destination in India. The temple is known for its spiritual significance, unique architecture, and sacred water tanks. The temple complex also includes many other spiritual places like the Five-faced Hanuman Temple and Ram Setu, which are considered to be significant in Hindu mythology. A visit to Ramanathaswamy Temple and its surrounding areas is a great way to experience the spiritual and cultural richness of India. 

Hidden facts about Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram:-

Ramanathaswamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the island of Rameswaram in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Here are some lesser-known facts about the temple:

The temple is considered one of the Char Dham, which refers to the four sacred abodes of Hinduism. The other three are Badrinath, Dwarka, and Puri.

The temple has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India. It is 197 meters long and has 1212 pillars.

The temple has two lingams, the Ramalingam and the Shivalingam. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama installed the Ramalingam before crossing the sea to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita.

The temple has 22 wells inside its premises. The water from each well tastes different from the others.

The temple's architecture is a mix of Dravidian and Islamic styles. The temple was destroyed several times by invaders, and the present structure was built during the 17th century by the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The temple has a holy tank called Agni Theertham, where devotees take a dip before entering the temple. It is believed that taking a bath in the tank washes away one's sins.

The temple is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines, which are considered the holiest abodes of Lord Shiva. The Ramanathaswamy Temple is believed to house one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered self-manifested forms of Lord Shiva.

The temple is also associated with the famous Indian saint, Adi Shankaracharya. It is believed that he visited the temple and established a mutt, or a monastery, nearby.

The temple has a unique ritual called the Sethu Karai Snanam, where devotees take a dip in the sea to wash away their sins. It is believed that the sea at the temple's shore was crossed by Lord Rama and his army to reach Lanka.

The temple's gopuram, or tower, is the tallest among all South Indian temples. It is 53 meters tall and has nine tiers. The tower was built during the 12th century by the Pandya kings.

How to travel by road to Ramanathaswamy Temple Rameswaram and the nearest bus stand 

Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram can be easily reached by road. The nearest bus stand to the temple is the Rameswaram Bus Stand, which is located about 2 kilometers away. 

There are several options for traveling by road to Rameswaram. One can either hire a taxi or take a bus from nearby cities like Madurai, Chennai, and Trichy. The distance from Madurai to Rameswaram is about 170 km, and it takes around 3-4 hours by road. 

The road to Rameswaram is well-maintained, and the journey is quite comfortable. However, it is advisable to check the weather conditions before embarking on a road trip, as the region experiences cyclones and heavy rains during certain months. 

Once you reach Rameswaram, you can easily hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the Ramanathaswamy Temple. The temple is located in the heart of the city and can be easily accessed from any part of Rameswaram. 

Overall, traveling by road to Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram is a great way to experience the beauty and culture of Tamil Nadu. The scenic drive, combined with the spiritual significance of the temple, makes for a truly unforgettable journey. 

How to travel by train to Ramanathaswamy Temple Rameswaram and the nearest railway station 

Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram is well-connected to major cities in India through the railway network. The nearest railway station to Rameswaram is the Rameswaram Railway Station, which is located in the heart of the town. The railway station is connected to all major cities in India like Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy. 

To travel by train to Ramanathaswamy Temple, you can book your tickets online through the Indian Railways website or from any authorized travel agent. There are several trains that run between Rameswaram and major cities in India like Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, and Madurai. 

Some popular trains that run to Rameswaram are: 

• Rameswaram Express from Chennai 
• Island Express from Chennai 
• Sethu Express from Chennai 
• Rameswaram Express from Coimbatore 
• Bangalore Express from Bangalore 
• Rameswaram Express from Madurai 

The journey to Rameswaram by train is a scenic one, and you will pass through some beautiful landscapes along the way. The Rameswaram Railway Station is located just 1 km away from the Ramanathaswamy Temple, and you can easily hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple. 

It is always advisable to book your train tickets in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles, especially during peak tourist season. Also, make sure to carry a valid ID proof along with your train ticket while traveling to Rameswaram by train. 

How to travel by air to Ramanathaswamy Temple Rameswaram and the nearest airport 

The nearest airport to Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram is the Madurai Airport, which is located around 170 km away from Rameswaram. The Madurai Airport is well-connected to major cities in India, and there are regular flights from cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi. 

To travel by air to Ramanathaswamy Temple, you can book a flight to Madurai Airport and then take a taxi or bus to Rameswaram. The journey from Madurai to Rameswaram takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the mode of transport. 

Alternatively, you can also take a flight to Chennai International Airport, which is located around 600 km away from Rameswaram. From Chennai, you can take a train or bus to Rameswaram. The journey from Chennai to Rameswaram takes around 10 to 12 hours by train and around 9 hours by bus. 

Overall, traveling by air to Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram is a convenient option, as the Madurai Airport is well-connected to major cities in India, and there are several modes of transport available from Madurai to Rameswaram. 

FAQs 

Q.1 What is the best time to visit Ramanathaswamy Temple? 

The best time to visit Ramanathaswamy Temple is between October to April when the weather is pleasant and cool. 

Q.2 What are the timings of the Ramanathaswamy Temple? 

The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 

Q.3 Can non-Hindus visit Ramanathaswamy Temple? 

Yes, non-Hindus are allowed to visit the temple, but they are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum. 

Q.4 How to reach Ramanathaswamy Temple? 

The nearest airport is in Madurai, which is around 170 km from Rameswaram. Rameswaram also has a railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India 

Q.5 What are the other places to visit in Rameswaram? 

Other places to visit in Rameswaram include Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Agnitheertham, Pamban Bridge, and Ram Setu.