Ramanathaswamy Temple
Also known as Rameshwaram Temple
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and part of the Char Dham. Famed for the longest temple corridor in India, running nearly 1,200 metres.
Photos of Ramanathaswamy Temple
- Presiding Deity
- Shiva
- Established
- 12th century CE
- Architecture
- Dravidian
- Address
- Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu 623526
- Timings
- 05:00–13:00, 15:00–21:00
History of Ramanathaswamy Temple
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.
Festivals Celebrated at Ramanathaswamy Temple
- Maha Shivaratri
- Thai Amavasya
- Rama Navami
How to Reach Ramanathaswamy Temple
Reached by rail via the Pamban bridge or by road across the Annai Indira Gandhi bridge from mainland Tamil Nadu.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ramanathaswamy Temple
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.
Is there an entry fee at Ramanathaswamy Temple?
- Entry to the main shrine of Ramanathaswamy Temple is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Ramanathaswamy Temple?
- Ramanathaswamy Temple follows the traditional dress code observed at Tamil Nadu temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.