Ramanathaswamy Temple

Sthala Puranam

Tradition says Rama established and worshipped a Shiva lingam here before crossing the sea to Lanka. The Yuddha Kanda of the Ramayana speaks of this worship.

The Shiva Purana says Rama honoured Shiva with mantras, meditation and dance, and Shiva granted him victory over Ravana. Rama then asked Shiva to stay on the island to bless all people.

Local tradition adds a story: Rama needed a lingam at an auspicious hour. Hanuman had gone to Kailash to bring one and was late, so Sita made a lingam of sand. Hanuman's lingam was later honoured first.

Speciality

• The southernmost of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and the southern seat among the four Char Dham (with Badrinath, Puri and Dwarka).
• The corridors are about 3,850 ft long in total. They are described as the longest of any Hindu temple in India.
• There are 22 holy water bodies (theerthams) inside the temple. Rameswaram island has 64 in all, of which 24 are counted as important in the Skanda Purana.

Festivals

• Maha Shivaratri
• Vasanthotsavam (spring festival)
• Festivals in Adi (July–August) and Masi (February–March)

How to reach

Before you go

• Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
• Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
• Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
• The traditional ritual is a sea bath at Agni Theertham and then the bath at the 22 theerthams inside. Carry a change of clothes.
• Use the official ticket counter for the theertham bath. Be careful with unofficial guides.

Prayers for this temple

• Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
• Rama Raksha Stotram
• Sri Rama Rama Rameti