Introduction

A brief stroll on the soft sands of Rameshwaram along the blue Bay of Bengal brings you to the ancient Ramanatha Swamy Temple steeped in mythology. A paradigm of Dravidian architecture, this temple will be the highpoint of your trip to Rameshwaram. Hindu mythology has it that at this site Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to absolve from any sin he may have committed during his war against the demon king, Ravana. Ramanatha Swamy temple is an important pilgrimage centre of the Hindus, also because it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas – holy abode of Lord Shiva.

Nestled on an island off the Sethu coast of Rameshwaram, the Ramanatha Swamy temple can be reached through the Pamban Bridge which straddles the sea. The foundation stone of this structure was laid in the 12th century; it, however, took several reigns of various rulers before it could be completed. Here the lingam of Ramanatha Swamy is the presiding deity. According to legend, Lord Rama was counseled by the great sages to install a ‘Shivlingam’ at this site, to compensate for the sin of killing a Brahmin (Ravana). So, he sent Lord Hanuman to fetch the lingam from Mount Kailash. But Lord Hanuman could not make it on time. So, Sita (Lord Rama’s wife) made a sand lingam, which was promptly installed by Lord Rama. Later, he consoled a disheartened Hanuman and installed his lingam (Visvalingam) too next to Ramalingam.

The complex is spread out over 15 acres with a hallway 4000-foot-long (1200 meters) lined on either side by more than 4000 pillars - believed to be the largest hallway in a temple in India. In fact, this pillared corridor is the most photographed part of the structure. It lends an air of austerity to the shrine. But the fact that the rocks used in making the corridor were not from the island, and were brought from someplace across the sea, add to the intrigue factor. The two gopurams (spires) are a marvel unto themselves, what with the eastern gopuram soaring to a height of 126 foot (38 meters) and dominating the skyline of Rameshwaram. The western gopuram too is beautiful, but not as high as the eastern one.

Inside this gigantic temple complex are 22 wells whose waters are recognized for their distinct properties. It is quite fascinating how the water of each well has a different taste, temperature, salinity, and healing property. You will see pilgrims hopping from one well to another to drink the holy water or take a bath. Little wonder, the temple floors always remain wet, with puddles in some places. Lord Rama is believed to have created these wells by shooting arrows in the sand.

It will take an hour easily to explore this labyrinthine temple comprising numerous mandapams, wells, a gigantic hallway, and the main shrine of Ramanatha Swamy. Don’t miss out the colossal sculpture of Nandi, the holy bull. About 12-foot-long and 9-foot-tall, it catches your attention from a distance. The high fortifications around the temple make a rectangular along with a pyramidal gopuram doorway on every side. Before leaving the site, take a stroll on the shore and photograph this magnificent sea-facing structure from different perspectives.

Special Attributes

It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and still preserves the sand Shivalingam made by Sita.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

It is a very important pilgrimage site, so dress conservatively.

Connectivity

Hire a taxi or take a tourist coach from Madurai

Enjoyed by

Architecture lovers and those who are religiously inclined

Exposure

You will mostly be indoors.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

An early morning visit to the shrine is preferable, before the pilgrims begin to trickle in.

Type of site

Hindu shrine/ temple site