Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple – The Sacred Link Between Ram and Shiva

Rameshwaram Temple in Tamil Nadu is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a pivotal site in the Char Dham pilgrimage. Situated on Pamban Island, this grand temple is revered for its longest corridor in Asia and its connection to Lord Rama’s worship of Shiva.

Introduction

Recognized as the place where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to absolve sins of the Lanka war, Rameshwaram’s Ramanathaswamy Temple is famous for its 1212 ancient stone pillars, sacred theerthams, and spiritual energy along the Bay of Bengal.

History & Legends

• Ramayana Connection: Rama installed the Shiva Linga (Ramalinga) here and performed pujas to seek forgiveness.
• Pandya Dynasty Patronage: Temple expansions by the Pandyas, Cholas, and later Nayak rulers over centuries.
• European Accounts: Visitors like Marco Polo documented the temple’s grandeur in medieval times.
• Recent Conservation: Archaeological efforts have restored corridors and mandapams while preserving inscriptions.

Architecture & Layout

• Dravidian style with 1212 ornate granite pillars forming the longest corridor in any Hindu temple.
• Main sanctum houses the Shiva Linga under a Nandi mandapam (bull statue) facing east.
• Island of Rameshwaram connected via Pamban Bridge and surrounded by 22 theerthams (holy water tanks).
• Five-tiered gopuram (gateway tower) over 50 meters tall at the entrance (Eastern Gopuram).

Worship & Rituals

• Daily abhisheka with Panchamrita and Bael leaves.
• Ganga Snana: Devotees bathe in the 22 theerthams for purification.
• Ardhajama puja—last worship before closing and first after reopening of sanctum.
• Bilva archana and Rudra Yajna performed regularly.

Major Festivals

• Mahashivratri: Night-long celebrations with abhisheks and bhajans.
• Chitra Pournami: Celebrated by bathing deity in sunlight during full moon.
• Sri Ramanavami: Birth anniversary of Lord Rama, marked with special pujas.
• Navaratri: Nine-day worship of Durga, with grand processions.

Spiritual Significance

• Char Dham pilgrimage site—completing all four grants moksha.
• Worship here washes away sins and grants divine blessings of Shiva and Rama.
• 22 theerthams represent various sacred rivers, inviting ritual cleansing.

Travel & Visitor Info

• Location: Rameshwaram Island, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Access: Madurai Airport (170 km), Rameshwaram Railway Station.
• Temple Hours: 5:00 AM–12:30 PM and 3:00 PM–10:00 PM daily.
• Facilities: Pilgrim housing, prasad shops, cloakrooms, and travel assistance.

Conclusion

Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple unites devotees of Rama and Shiva in timeless devotion. Its majestic corridors, holy tanks, and sacred legends continue to inspire faith and spiritual transformation.
Om Namah Shivaya! Jai Shri Ram!