Rameshwaram Temple - Tamil Nadu
Rameshwaram Temple is one of the Char Dhams and one of the holy pilgrimage sites in India. This temple is located in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil
Rameshwaram Temple
Rameshwaram Temple is one of the Char Dhams and one of the holy pilgrimage sites in India. This temple is located in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu state of India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shivling established here is one of the 12 Dwadash Jyotirlingas of India. Rameshwaram Temple is located about 400 miles southeast of Chennai. It is a beautiful union of islands surrounded by the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. The recognition of Kashi in North India is that of Rameshwar in the South. This island was connected with the mainland of India years ago, but later the ocean waves surrounded it with water from all sides, making it an island. Here Lord Rama had built a stone bridge before climbing Lanka, on which the monkey army reached Lanka. The third type of corridor of the temple here is the longest corridor in the world.
Rameshwaram Temple History
It is believed that after killing Ravana, Lord Rama worshiped Mahadev at this place while returning from Sri Lanka. Rameshwar temple and Rameshwar island were named after him. Lord Rama wanted to worship Lord Shiva to eliminate the guilt of killing Ravana in the form of a Brahmin. Due to the absence of a single temple in this island, Rama sends Lord Hanuman to bring the Shivling to Mount Kailash. Due to the delay in bringing Shivlinga, Sita Mata makes a Shivlinga from sea sand and the same Shivlinga is worshipped. After the return of Hanuman, that Shivling is installed there.
In 1450 AD, Raja Udaiyan Sethupathi and a resident of Nagaur had got the 78 feet high Gopuram constructed. Then in the 16th century, Tirumalya Sethupathi built another part of the wall to the south of the temple. The present structure of the temple was observed in the 17th century AD.
Rameshwaram Temple Structure
Rameshwaram Temple is spread over a vast area of 15 acres. The temple complex is surrounded by a compound wall about 865 feet long from east to west and 667 feet from north to south with massive towers. The interior of the temple has attractive long corridors which are spread between huge pillars on a 5 feet high platform. The entrance of the Rameshwar temple is 40 feet high. The temple has huge pillars and each pillar has a different type of bari artwork. This temple has been built on the basis of Dravidian architectural style. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses two Jyotirlingas, one made of sand by Sita, who is considered the main deity, and the other by Hanuman brought from Kailash. The Shivalinga created by Sita from rape was named Ramalingam and the Shivalinga brought by Hanuman was named Vishwalingam.
fact About Rameshwaram Temple
- The corridor of the Rameswaram temple is the longest corridor in the world or 197 meters from north to south and 100 meters from east to west.
- This temple is 1000 feet long and 600 feet wide. It has been constructed by placing a long stone of equal length on two 40 feet high stones, which is the center of attraction for the visitors.
- According to the stories, all the wells inside the Rameswaram temple complex were created by Lord Rama with his infallible arrows, in which the waters of all the pilgrimages were released.
- The stones used in the construction of this temple were brought by the Sri Lankan forces.
- It is believed by the people that the person who offers Ganga water with full devotion to this Jyotirlinga attains salvation.
- By worshiping the Jyotirlinga established in this temple, one can get freedom from sins like killing a Brahmin.
- There are 22 shrines inside the Rameswaram temple which is famous in itself. The first and foremost shrine of the temple is known as Agni Tirtha.
Best Time to visit Rameshwaram Temple
According to pilgrims and tourists, the best season and month to visit Rameshwaram Temple is from October to April. The climate there during these months is around 17 degree Celsius. Which is considered a very good season for travel. The sea view of the coastal region is also wonderful during these months. If you want to see the Mahashivratri festival of Rameswaram temple, then you should go in the month of February-March. This Mahashivaratri festival lasts for a total of 10 days. In the month of May-June, a festival called Vasanthotsavam is celebrated in this temple which ends Vaishakh.
Places to visit near Rameshwaram temple
Rameshwaram in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu is an important pilgrimage center where people come from far and wide. Apart from Rameshwaram Temple, we can visit many other places like:
- Indira Gandhi Setu
- Ramsetu
- Pamban Bridge
- Agni Tirtham
- Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple
- Ariyaman Beach
- Lakshmana Teertham
- Kunthukal beach
- Dhanushkodi
How to reach Rameshwaram Temple?
Rameswaram temple can be easily reached by any route by air, rail, road. Rameswaram is well connected by road to all the states of India. Apart from this, you can also reach here with the help of your vehicle.
By Air: Madurai Airport is located at a distance of 163 km from Rameswaram which is the nearest airport. If you want to come with the help of flight, you can take a flight to Madurai airport from anywhere in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi.
By Rail: Rameswaram is well connected by rail to all the states of India. You can reach here with the help of train route from any city of India.
By Road: Rameshwaram is well connected by road to all the states of India. You can easily reach here with the help of bus taxi or your own vehicle.
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