Introduction

This is an ancient temple; you can tell from the weathered-look of the structure, and an unmistakable old-world aura. Inside is a rare depiction of Lord Hanuman with five faces. Hindu mythology has it that Lord Hanuman revealed his five-faceted avatar at this site, and was soon after smeared with orange-colored vermilion. The revealed five-faces with five different bodies were of Lord Hanuman, Lord Narasimha, Lord Adivaraha, Lord Hayagriva and Lord Garuda. At this point, he, supposedly, rose above the five senses.

The little temple also has an idol of the most loved deity of Rameshwaram, Lord Rama along with that of his wife, Goddess Sita, and brother Laxman. Lord Rama’s and Sita’s idols were salvaged from cyclone hit Dhanushkodi in 1964, and brought to Rameshwaram. The shrine of five-faced Hanuman is hugely popular among the locals, and outsiders as well. So deep-rooted is their faith that they regard the deities like living beings in flesh and blood.

Another curious feature of the temple is the floating stones in a smallish water tank in the courtyard. The stones (or rocks) are oval-shaped covered with tiny craters - like a coral – and stays afloat. Examine by thrusting them downwards, and watch them bob back up! These floating stones are believed to be the ones that make up the legendary Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge), spanning across the sea from Rameshwaram all the way up to Mannar in Sri Lanka. According to Hindu mythology, Sugreev's monkey army built this bridge of stepping stones across the sea for Lord Rama to crossover into Sri Lanka to rescue Sita from demon king, Ravana.

You can even walk the 2-kilometer (1.25 miles) stretch from the main Ramanatha Swamy temple to this ancient five-faced Hanuman temple

Special Attributes

The floating stones here are a special attraction.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress modestly. Avoid wearing short or revealing clothes since it is a religious site.

Connectivity

Hire a taxi or take a tourist coach from Madurai

Enjoyed by

Mythology lovers, and those who are religiously inclined

Exposure

You will mostly be indoors.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

You are just a walk away from the Ramanatha Swamy temple.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Have a chat with the old priest, request him to show you around the temple, and tell you in detail about the floating stones.

Type of site

Ancient shrine/Hindu Temple