Rameshwaram Temple: Unveiling Its History, Significance, and Mythology

Rameshwaram Temple Introduction

The temple has a deep historical and spiritual significance connected to the Indian epic Ramayana. According to legend, after defeating the demon king Ravana in Sri Lanka, Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, returned to Rameshwaram. 

Here, he wanted to atone for the sin of killing Ravana, a Brahmin. To do so, he decided to worship Lord Shiva and instructed Hanuman to bring a lingam from the Himalayas. However, as Hanuman took too long, Sita made a lingam out of sand, which Rama consecrated. This lingam, known as the Ramalingam, is the main deity of the Rameshwaram Temple.

Tips for Travelling to Rameshwaram Temple

2. Travel Arrangements:

• By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, about 170 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from there to Rameshwaram.
• By Train: Rameshwaram has a railway station with connections to major cities. Train travel offers scenic views, especially when crossing the Pamban Bridge.
• By Road: Buses and taxis are available from nearby cities like Madurai, Chennai, and Coimbatore.

3. Accommodation: There are various hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas available in Rameshwaram catering to different budgets. It is advisable to book your stay in advance, especially during peak seasons.

4. Temple Dress Code: Modest attire is recommended when visiting the temple. Men are typically required to remove their shirts before entering the inner sanctum, and women should wear traditional clothing like sarees or salwar kameez.

5. Temple Timings: The temple is usually open from early morning (around 5 AM) to late evening (around 9 PM). Check the specific timings for rituals and darshan to plan your visit accordingly.

6. Holy Bath: Taking a holy dip in Agni Theertham, located near the temple, is considered auspicious. Remember to carry an extra set of clothes as you may get wet.

7. Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are common modes of transport within Rameshwaram. Negotiate fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.

8. Food: South Indian vegetarian food is widely available and recommended. There are numerous eateries near the temple serving traditional meals. Be cautious with street food and drink bottled water to avoid any health issues.

9. Respect Local Customs: Follow temple rules and regulations, maintain silence, and respect local customs and traditions. Photography might be restricted in certain areas of the temple.

Historical Significance of Rameshwaram

The temple complex is famous for its detailed corridors, large sculpted pillars, and tall towers called Gopurams. One of the corridors in the temple is over 1,200 metres long and has nearly 4,000 pillars. It is a testament to the skill of the ancient Indian craftsmen.

The Story of the Shivling at Rameshwaram

When Hanuman returned with a lingam from Mount Kailash, known as the Vishwalingam, Rama consecrated it alongside the Ramalingam. To honour Hanuman’s efforts, Rama declared that the Vishwalingam should be worshipped before the Ramalingam. This tradition continues to this day, with the Vishwalingam being worshipped first in the temple rituals.

Sacred Sites in Rameshwaram

1. Agni Theertham: Located on the eastern coast of Rameshwaram, this sacred water body is where devotees take a holy dip before entering the temple. Visiting this sacred site is one of the best things to do in Rameswaram.

2. Gandhamadhana Parvatham: This hill is said to be the place where Lord Rama’s footprints are imprinted. It offers a panoramic view of the island and is a popular spot for pilgrims.

3. Dhanushkodi: This ghost town is located at the southern tip of the island and is believed to be the place where Lord Rama built the Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge) to reach Lanka. 

4. Pamban Bridge: This iconic bridge connects Rameshwaram Island to the mainland of India. It is an engineering marvel and provides a scenic view of the surrounding waters.