Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is the most popular temple of Rameshwaram, which is a small island connected to the mainland via Pamban Bridge. The Holy abode of the Hindu God, Shri Ram (addressed so with all respect & humility) is a virtual paradise for the devout. No Hindu’s journey is complete without a pilgrimage to both Varanasi and Rameswaram for the culmination of his quest for salvation and is hallowed by the epic ‘Ramayana’.
History
Local legend has it that Shri Ram was helped back into Rameswaram and into India by his brother Lakshman and Hanuman along with his band of thousands of monkeys, after finally emerging victorious against the demon – Ravana. They helped build a bridge with rocks from the sea and shores to cross the ‘Sethu canal’ and reach Lanka. Lord Rama is also believed to have sanctified this place by worshipping and glorifying Lord Shiva and hence marks the confluence of Shaivism and Vaishnavism and is thus revered by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites alike and thus there is a strong belief that bathing in the 22 ‘Theerthams’ or natural springs is a step forward in enlightenment. Therefore, Rameswaram has rightly been declared as one of the National Pilgrim Centres in the count.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Madurai is the nearest Airport which is around 175 km distance from Rameswaram. Thoothukudi is another airport which is around 195 km distance from Rameswaram.
- By Train: Rameswaram has a railway station which is around 1.3 km from the Ramanathaswamy temple.
- By Road: Rameswaram has a Bus stand which is around 2 km from the Ramanathaswamy temple.
Structure
The present structure of Sri Ramanathaswamy temple is spread across 15 acres of land. Its majestic pillars, vast corridors, walls and gopurams allure every visitor. Its granite walls have intricate carvings have been mounted on a raised platform. This temple is surrounded by huge walls on all the four sides with height of almost 865 feet to 657 feet. The outer corridors of Rameshwaram temple is considered as the longest in the world, with a total length of 3850 feet for all the corridors. There are around 1212 pillars in the outer corridor with a height of 30 feet while the main tower of Rajagopuram has a height of around 53 meter.
There are majestic gopurams at the east and west while gate towers adorned the temple on the northern and southern side. There are many intriguing aspects of this temple which leaves everyone mesmerised. It is also said that the rocks used in corridor is not from this region but were brought from somewhere outside Tamil Nadu. Another striking feature is the paved way from western gopuram to Setumadhava shrine is in the form of a chess board, presenting a unique view. It is called as Chokkattan Mandapam where deities are kept during the Spring Festival.
Timings
Opening timings of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, which popular known as Rameshwaram Temple is from 5 AM to 1 PM, while in evening it opens for darshan from 3 Pm to 9 PM. This temple is open on all days of the week.
Pooja timings
| POOJA DETAILS | TIMINGS | POOJA DETAILS | TIMINGS | POOJA DETAILS | TIMINGS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palliyarai Deepa Aradhana | 5.00 AM | Spadigalinga Deepa Aradhana | 5.10 AM | Thiruvananthal Deepa Aradhana | 5.45 AM |
| Villa Pooja | 7.00 AM | Kalasanthi Pooja | 10.00 AM | Uchikala Pooja | 12.00 NOON |
| Sayaratcha Pooja | 6.00 P.M | Arthajama Pooja | 8.30 P.M | Palliyarai Pooja | 8.45 P.M |
Major Festivals
- Maha Shivaratri during February– March months is the most celebrated festival at Rameswaram Temple. It lasts 10 days and the temple is filled with millions of Shiva devotees all these days. Thirukalyanam or the divine marriage [July- August] is another most auspicious occasion when devotees celebrate as day when Lord Ramanathaswamy [Shiva] married Goddess Vishalakshi [Parvathy].
- Navaratri Festival [September- October] and the Vasantholsavam [May- June] are other major festivals celebrated at Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram.
