Ramanathaswamy Temple

The Ramanathaswamy Temple stands on Rameswaram island, at the southeastern tip of Tamil Nadu, and combines two of the major Hindu pilgrim traditions: it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva and one of the four Char Dham pilgrimages. Many Vaishnavas and Shaivas visit it together.

The Ramayana tradition says that Rama, after returning from Lanka, wanted to worship Shiva to atone for killing the Brahmin Ravana. Since Hanuman was late bringing a lingam from Kailash, Sita made one of sand, and this is the lingam worshipped here as Ramalingam. The one Hanuman brought is worshipped at a separate shrine, the Vishwalingam.

Tradition holds that Rama himself installed the lingam here after his return from Lanka. The corridors and gopurams were added by successive Sethupathi rulers between the 12th and 17th centuries.

The temple is best known for its corridors: the third corridor, around 1,200 metres in total, is among the longest in India, with rows of carved granite pillars on both sides. The gopurams were built in stages over the centuries.

Inside the temple are 22 theerthams, sacred wells, which pilgrims bathe in as a ritual. The temple was built from the 12th century, with major expansions by the Sethupathi rulers of Ramanathapuram in the 17th century.

The central ritual is to bathe in the sea at Agni Theertham and then in the 22 wells inside the temple, usually in wet clothes, moving from one to the next in sequence. After this, devotees visit the sanctum.

Kasi-Rameswaram pilgrimage tradition has pilgrims carry sand from Rameswaram to the Ganga and bring Ganga water back to the temple. Maha Shivaratri, Thai Amavasya and Rama Navami are among the biggest occasions.

• Maha Shivaratri
• Thai Amavasya
• Rama Navami

Allow time for the full theertham circuit, which usually takes some hours, and check the current ticket arrangements at the entrance. Bring a spare set of dry clothes. Phones are not allowed inside the temple.

Rameswaram is reached by the Pamban rail bridge or the road bridge. Dhanushkodi, the ruined town at the island's tip, and the memorial to Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam are the usual side trips.

Reached by rail via the Pamban bridge or by road across the Annai Indira Gandhi bridge from mainland Tamil Nadu.

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Where is Ramanathaswamy Temple located?

Ramanathaswamy Temple is located at Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu 623526, in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, India.

Who is the presiding deity at Ramanathaswamy Temple?

The presiding deity at Ramanathaswamy Temple is Shiva (also known as Mahadev, Bholenath), worshipped in the Shaiva tradition.

What are the timings of Ramanathaswamy Temple?

Ramanathaswamy Temple is generally open 05:00–13:00, 15:00–21:00. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.

When was Ramanathaswamy Temple built?

Ramanathaswamy Temple was established 12th century CE. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.

What is the architectural style of Ramanathaswamy Temple?

Ramanathaswamy Temple is built in the Dravidian style, characteristic of Shiva shrines of this region.

Which festivals are celebrated at Ramanathaswamy Temple?

The principal festivals celebrated at Ramanathaswamy Temple include Maha Shivaratri, Thai Amavasya, Rama Navami. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Tamil Nadu and beyond.

How can I reach Ramanathaswamy Temple?

Reached by rail via the Pamban bridge or by road across the Annai Indira Gandhi bridge from mainland Tamil Nadu.

Why is Ramanathaswamy Temple significant?

One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and part of the Char Dham. Famed for the longest temple corridor in India, running nearly 1,200 metres.

What is the best time to visit Ramanathaswamy Temple?

October to April for dry weather; Maha Shivaratri and Thai Amavasya draw large crowds.