The full name of the Rameswaram Temple is the Ramanathaswamy Temple.
Introduction
The Sacred Legend of Ramanathaswamy Temple
The construction of the Ramanathaswamy Temple, which marks the center of Rameswaram, is among the most important incidents in Hindu mythology, the Ramayana. The legend is a strong statement on the power of penance, devotion, and fusion of the Shaiva (Shiva worship) and Vaishnava (Vishnu worship) schools of thought.
The Sin of Slaughtering Ravana (Brahmahatyados)
The story unfolds after the great war in Lanka, where Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, had won the battle against the demon king Ravana and saved his beloved wife, Sita.
- Brahmahatya Sin: Ravana was a scholar and a devout follower of Lord Shiva, thus belonging to the Brahmin caste, a caste of priests. In the Hindu scriptures, the death of a Brahmin, no matter how wicked a person like Ravana might have been, is termed as the sin of Brahmahatya Dosh.
- Advice of Sages: To remove this serious sin, the sage advised Lord Rama to erect and worship Shivalingam (form of Lord Shiva), the most preferred form of Lord Shiva, at the nearest coastline, which was Rameswaram. This would be an appeasement for Lord Shiva, whose most favorite devotee Ravana was killed.
- The Quest for the Lingam: Lord Rama desired an immense and holy Shivalingam to perform the ritual at the most opportune time. So, he sent his most ardent follower, Hanuman, to the Himalayas, which housed Mount Kailash, the residing place of Lord Shiva, to fetch the divine, crystal Shivalingam from there.
The Two Lingams: Rama and Hanuman
That which is the most distinctive regarding the establishment of the temple is the setting up of two Shivalingams inside the main sanctum:
- The Ramalingam (The Sand Lingam): When the auspicious time to perform the installation ceremony drew near, Hanuman had not yet been able to return from his long odyssey to Kailash. Goddess Sita perceived that if the delay continued, she would upset the divine timing. Thus, she created, out of the sand of the seashore in Rameswaram, a Shivalingam. It is installed and worshiped by Lord Rama, and is referred to as the Ramalingam, which is the principal deity of the temple.
- The Vishwalingam (The Kailash Lingam): Hanuman returned soon after the completion of the rituals and was shocked and dismayed at seeing that he was late because the rituals had already been completed. This was because he possessed the sacred Shivalingam from Mount Kailash. * Rama’s Decree of Humility: To pacify his dear devotee, Rama ordered the installation of the lingam brought by Hanuman, known as Vishwalingam or Hanumalingam, right beside the Ramalingam. More importantly, Lord Rama decreed all pilgrims have to worship the Vishwalingam first before worshiping the Ramalingam as an ordinance to this day, as if to emphasize the eternal values of thankfulness and paying tribute to the effort of a dear devotee. The name Rameswaram itself is translated as “Lord of Rama” (Rama + Ishwaram), meaning that this idol (Shiva) was worshipped by Rama (incarnation of Vishnu). It is because of this legend that this site has become an extremely important place in the Char Dham Yatra as well as one of 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva.
Architectural Grandeur of the Ramanathaswamy Temple
The Ramanathaswamy Temple is an exquisite work of art in Dravidian architecture, dominantly constructed from the 12th century onwards, under different dynasties, in particular Pandya Kingdom, Setupathis of Ramanathapuram, and others. The architectural design of this place is renowned for its gigantic proportions, accurateness, and artwork.
1. The world’s longest temple corridor
Apart from this, the temple is most famous for its Third Corridor (or Outer Corridor), known for the fact that it is the longest temple corridor in the world.
Total Length -Approximately 3,850 to 4,000 feet (1,173 to 1,219 meters) in total perimeter.
Number of Pillars – Supported by over 1,200 (approx. 1,212) massive, intricately carved granite pillars. |
Pillar Height -Height of the pillars is about 30 feet (9.1 meters) tall. |
Style in Art -Every column is intricately carved in the Nayak Style, depicting separate compositions of gods, mythological figures, and statues of the Setupati kings who aided in building it. |
| Architectural Marvel | This corridor is sandwiched between two ranges of massive colonnades, thus making it an imposing processional route for the ritual of Pradakshina (going around). This is an architectural feat that was impossible to execute by today’s architects and Engineers. |
2. The Towering “Gopurams”
Like most other temples in southern India, the Ramanathaswamy temple is characterized by its towering gateway-structure towers, or gopurams, marking each side of the high boundary wall, or madil in Tamil.
- East Gopuram: This is the prominent and tallest gateway that reaches a great height of about 126 feet (38 meters) and consists of nine stories, with sculptures of countless gods.
- West Gopuram: This too is of considerable size and is approximately 78 feet high.
3. The Sacred Tīrthams
An essential element of the pilgrimage ritual consists of baths in the holy water bodies called Tīrthams located inside the temples.
* 22 Wells (Tīrthams): The temple complex has 22 wells inside. Devotees take a dip in all 22 Tīrthams in a planned order before entering the sanctum.
- Number 22 is also symbolically associated with the 22 arrows in Lord Rama’s quiver.
- Agni Tīrtham: The first and most important sacred waterbody is the sea itself called the Agni Tīrtham, situated just beyond the eastern entrance of the temple on the shores of the Bay of Bengal.
Table of Contents
The 22 Sacred Tīrthams of Ramanathaswamy Temple
The ritual bathing in the 22 Tīrthams (holy wells) within the Ramanathaswamy Temple premises is one of the most unique and significant aspects of the Rameswaram pilgrimage. It is believed that these 22 wells correspond to the 22 arrows in Lord Rama’s quiver.
Before entering the temple to worship, devotees traditionally take a dip in the sea (Agni Tīrtham) and then proceed to take a purifying bath from the water of all 22 wells in a specific sequence. It is a cleansing ritual intended to absolve sins and cure ailments.
Interestingly, many pilgrims report that the temperature and even the taste and salinity of the water vary from one well to the next, despite their close proximity, which is considered a divine phenomenon.
Here is the list of the 22 Tīrthams located inside the temple corridors, along with their associated mythological significance:
| No. | Tīrtham Name | Significance / Associated Legend |
| (0) | Agni Tīrtham | The Sea (Bay of Bengal, just outside the temple). The first ritual bath is taken here. Lord Rama is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. |
| 1 | Mahalakshmi Tīrtham | Blessings of Goddess Mahalakshmi and attainment of wealth. |
| 2 | Savitri Tīrtham | Cures ailments and relieves one from curses (King Kasibar was relieved from a curse here). |
| 3 | Gayatri Tīrtham | Cures ailments and protects from evil curses. |
| 4 | Saraswati Tīrtham | Cures ailments and grants knowledge/wisdom. |
| 5 | Sethu Madhava Tīrtham | Blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and purification of the heart/thoughts. (This is often a holy tank in the third corridor). |
| 6 | Gandhamadana Tīrtham | Relief from poverty and purification from sins/evil deeds. |
| 7 | Kavatcha Tīrtham | Protection from entry into hell after death. (Also known as Swatcha Tīrtham). |
| 8 | Gavaya Tīrtham | Ensures shelter under the Kalpavriksha (the wish-fulfilling tree). |
| 9 | Nala Tīrtham | Attainment of heavenly abode and blessings of Lord Surya (Sun). |
| 10 | Neela Tīrtham | Attainment of benefits equivalent to performing great sacrifices (Yagnas). |
| 11 | Sangu Tīrtham | Repentance for the sin of ingratitude (Sage Vatsanabha was purified here). |
| 12 | Chakra Tīrtham | Blessings of Lord Surya and bestowal of good health. |
| 13 | Brahmahathi Vimochana Tīrtham | Relief from the sin of Brahmahatya (killing a Brahmin, like Ravana) and other sins like killing a cow. |
| 14 | Soorya Tīrtham | Blessings of knowledge concerning the past, present, and future. |
| 15 | Chandra Tīrtham | Blessings of knowledge concerning the past, present, and future. |
| 16 | Ganga Tīrtham | Associated with wisdom (named after the sacred river Ganga). |
| 17 | Yamuna Tīrtham | Associated with wisdom (named after the sacred river Yamuna). |
| 18 | Gaya Tīrtham | Associated with wisdom (named after the sacred pilgrimage site Gaya). |
| 19 | Siva Tīrtham | Repentance for speaking ill of Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu. |
| 20 | Satyamirtha Tīrtham | Absolves various sins and cures curses (Emperor Bururnooru was relieved from a curse here). |
| 21 | Sarva Tīrtham | Gives the benefit of bathing in all other Tīrthams combined. |
| 22 | Kodi Tīrtham | Regarded as the most sacred of all. Lord Krishna is believed to have bathed here to be relieved from the sin of killing his uncle Kamsa. |
The bathing ritual is a profound spiritual experience, symbolizing the washing away of sins and the preparation of the body and mind for the final worship of the Ramanathaswamy and Vishwalingams.
How to Reach
The distance between Delhi and Rameswaram is considerable, over 2,200 km. The easiest way, if not the cheapest, is flying, while the cheapest is by train, although it takes a long time.
Following are the best ways to reach Rameswaram from Delhi:
1. By Air (Fastest Way)
There is no airport in Rameswaram which is of major importance. The shortest route is by air to an adjacent town or city and then by train or road.
| Subtask | Description | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) to Madurai (IXM) | Flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Madurai Airport (IXM), the nearest airport from Madurai. Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India fly from here. | 3 to 5 hours (direct flight) |
| Madurai to Rameswaram | From Madurai Airport (IXM), one can take a prepaid taxi, which will take 3-4 hours to reach Rameswaram. Another option is the train from Madurai Junction (MDU) to Rameswaram (RMM), which takes about 3 hours. | 3-4 hours |
| Total Travel Time | Approx. 7–9 hours (fastest combined journey) | |
Alternative Airport: You can also use the Chennai International Airport (MAA) for frequent flights from Delhi and then train or bus for about 10-14 hours to Rameswaram.
2. By Train (Most Economical Option)
There are no direct trains available from New Delhi to Rameswaram, and you will need one or two changes.
| Route | Details | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1: Connecting Trains | Book a train from Delhi to an important Southern junction station like Bhopal Junction (BPL), and then a connecting train to Rameswaram (RMM). | About 45 hours |
| Option 2: Via Chennai | Take a long-distance train such as Tamil Nadu Express or Grand Trunk Express from Delhi to Chennai, and then transfer to a connecting train such as Sethu Express or Rameswaram Express to reach Rameswaram. | 40 to 50+ hours |
- Rameswaram Railway Station: The town also boasts its railway station (RMM), which takes passengers to all major cities of the state of Tamil Nadu.
- 3. By Road Driving is the longest transport option, which spans an estimated distance of 2,200 to 2,500 km. * Self-Drive: It will take about 3 to 4 days along with the necessary halts. This will usually follow the NH44 highway which passes through various cities like Agra, Nagpur, Hyderabad, and Madurai. * Bus: No direct bus is available. You would need several connecting buses, probably through larger hubs such as Bangalore or Chennai, and would take a maximum of 2 days.
The Multiple Recognition of Rameshwaram
The town and its principal temple, Ramanathaswamy Temple, are famous for a number of major religious and cultural aspects:
1. One of the Four Char Dhams (Hinduism’s Major Pilgrimage Circuit)
Rameswaram is the southernmost point of the Bada Char Dham (or the greater circuit of the four holy abodes, which were established by the saintly founder of the foundation of Hindu philosophy, Adi Shankaracharya). This gives the shrine importance alongside the four major spots that all faithful Hindus are meant to visit during their lifetime in order to achieve Moksha (salvation).
- The Four Dhāms:
- Badrinath (North, Dedicated to Lord Vish
- Dwarka (West, dedicated to Lord Krishna
- Puri (East, dedicated to Lord Jagannath
- Rameswaram (South, dedicated to Lord Shiva/R
- The Special Link: The pilgrimage is not considered complete if one misses a visit to Rameswaram after visiting Varanasi (Kashi), marking the completion of spiritual travels in India itself. Rameswaram is commonly known as “Varanasi of the South.”
2. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas (Pillars of Light)
Ramanathaswamy temple is one of the sites housing 12 Jyotirlinga temples in honor of Lord Shiva.
- Jyotirlinga Significance: Jyotirlingas are the sites where Lord Shiva appeared as a shining column of light named Jyoti to prove his superiority.
“The Ramalingam Swayambu installed in this sanctum is one of the highly revered and Self-manifested/Divine installed forms of Lord Shiva.”
3. Paadal Petra Sthalam (Shaivite Sacred Site
The temple is one of 275 Paadal Petra Sthalam, which means it is one of the svosthalam temples revered by Tamil Shaivites.
- Glorification: These sites had been glorified through the hymns of the most revered Nayanar saints (Shaivite poets of the 7th century), namely Appar, Sundarar, and Tirugnana Sambandar. This goes on to establish its historicity in the Tamil tradition.
4. Architectural Marvel
There is also international recognition regarding the architecture of the temple from its main entrance to its structural design.
- The Longest Corridor: It has the longest temple corridor in the world, consisting of more than 1,200 carvings of granite pillars in its third prakaram or outer wall. Indeed, it is an accomplishment of Dravidian architecture.*
5. National and Cultural Importance
Apart from its religious significance, the importance of Rameswaram is * Ramayana Connection: It is known to be the site whereLord Ram built the Ram Setu(AAdam’s Bridge) in order to reach Lanka. This is thus a highly significant geographical and mythological point that is associated with the Ramayana. * Native Place of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: The town is famous throughout the country as the birthplace and native place of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India and a great scientist. In essence, Rameswaram is known to be an important junction of major Hindu schools of worship known as Shaivism and Vaishnavism and an exemplar of ancient Indian technical and historical and devotional prowess.
Conclusión: The Enduring Legacy of Rameshwaram
Rameswaram stands as a monumental symbol of India’s spiritual depth, historical continuity, and architectural genius. Being timeless, its significance has been multifold, something more than a coastal town.
Its significance * Spiritual Pinnacle: It is considered the ultimate destination for washing off all the committed sins and to attain salvation, as it is one of the Char Dham and has a Jyotirlinga in it.
These include: * Mythological Anchor: It is the sacred nexus point of the Ramayana, with Lord Rama having performed penance here, installed the Ramalingam, and started the building of the fabled Ram Setu to Lanka.
- Architectural Marvel: Internationally famed, the Ramanathaswamy Temple is an unrivaled wonder. This consists of the longest corridor and the bathing ritual in 22 Tīrthams.
- National Pride: It is of contemporary significance for being the beloved birthplace of the former President and the much-respected scientist, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. In other words, Rameswaram is the epitome of pilgrimage-a journey of faith, a lesson in mythology, and an encounter with spectacular human craftsmanship that continues to hold its place as one of the most sanctified islands of India.
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