Rameshwaram is a well-known island city in the Gulf of Mannar with great historical significance. It is where Lord Rama came to a halt during his battle against the wicked Rakshasa King Ravana.
The History of Rameshwaram
According to Rameshwaram's history, the town was controlled by various dynasties over the course of several centuries. It was governed by the Pandya Dynasty in the 15th century, and subsequently by the Nayaks of the Vijaynagar Empire till the 17th century. Rameshwaram gained prominence under the rule of the Sethupathis, the previous chieftains who were art and architectural enthusiasts. They contributed significantly to the creation and architecture of the Rameshwaram Temple.
According to Hindu myth, when Lord Rama and his wife, Sita, returned from Sri Lanka, they chose to pray to Lord Shiva to atone for the sin of murdering Ravana, Brahma's grandson. As a result, Rama instructed Hanuman to travel to Mound Kailash and return with the lingam. But because he was late, Sita drew a lingam out of the sand and performed the puja on time, which became known as Ramalinga. When Hanuman returned with the linga, Rama placed it beside the Ramalinga and gave it the name Vishwalinga.
The town is also one of India's Char Dhams or four pilgrimage destinations that every Hindu must visit at least once in their lives. We've compiled a list of temples in Rameshwaram that you really must see if you visit this island.
1. Ramanathaswamy Temple
Located on the Pamban Island above the Indian isthmus, this temple is one of the famous places to visit in Rameshwaram. It is one of the 12 ‘Jyotirlingas' and a well-known Hindu holy destination in India. The primary deity, Sri Ramanatha Swamy, is a union of Vaishnavism and Shaivism. It is a notable characteristic of diverse architectural styles belonging to different ages of the numerous kingdoms that have supported it and are spread out over 15 acres. Another significant draw of the Rameshwaram Vishnu temple is the ‘theerthams' — it is thought that a bath in this natural holy water is required if one wants to be cleansed of his or her sins and worldly afflictions.
According to historians, Rameshwar Mandir’s outer shell dates back to the 12th century. The shrine was first inadequately protected by a hovel, and subsequently, Parakrama Bahu, King of Sri Lanka, aim to create a more sturdy edifice around the statue, which was completed by the Setupathy rulers of Ramanathapuram. The Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy temple includes some of the best examples of religious sculpture on the walls and pillars, and examining them reminds one of the rich traditions of Hindu mythology.
Timings of the Temple - 6:00 am to 11:00 am and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location - Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu
2. Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple
The majority of visitors who visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple also go to the Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, which is approximately two kilometres away. The location of the temple is considered to be a very sacred temple and is well-known due to its mythical significance.
The Panchamukhi Temple is famous for holding Lord Rama's five-faced statue. To any ‘Bal Brahmachari,' the location is extremely significant. The idol is fully carved from a single big Senthooram stone.
In ancient times, the stone was considered to be more valuable than gold. Aside from the idol, the temple also holds stones from Lord Rama's and his army's invasion of Lanka via the Rameshwaram Ram Setu bridge.
Timings of the Temple - 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location - Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
3. Nambu Nayaki Amman Temple
The Nambu Nayaki Amman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Dakshina Kali, is located roughly 8 kilometres from the Ramanathaswamy Temple. The temple was originally located in Dhanushkodi, but during the 1964 cyclone, it was relocated near the Ramanathaswamy Temple.
Visitors from all over the world come to pray and have their desires granted as it is one of the famous places for Rameshwaram sightseeing. The goddess of the shrine is supposed to bring good health and fertility to the local fishermen. The goddess is supposed to have appeared to two sages, who subsequently stayed in the village to heal the town's injured people.
4. Dhanushkodi Temple
The Dhanuskodi Temple is located at Dhanuskodi, near Rameshwaram. The temple is currently in ruins, yet it provides a wonderful view of the horizon. With references in many versions of the Ramayana, this temple is one of the most well-known in Rameswaram, as well as one of the largest in the city.
This place is a must-add in your Rameshwaram tour package as this site is a must-see for anybody looking for beautiful landscapes as well as peace and tranquillity.
Timings of the Temple - 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
Location - Dhanuskodi, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
5. Gandhamadhana Parvatham
The Gandhamadhana Parvatham Temple is situated on a hill near Rameshwaram. This mountain is supposed to be the location where Rama sent Hanuman to obtain the medical herbs needed to save Laxman's life. Hanuman then hauled the mountain to its current location, according to mythology.
This was the mountain Lord Hanuman carried on his shoulders. It is the highest viewing point which has a two-story temple dedicated to Lord Rama, which also has the Chakra's footsteps. The temple is located around 3 kilometres from town and is considered one of Rameshwaram's most significant monuments. The architecture of the temple is based on the traditional design of South Indian temples.
Timings of the Temple - 7:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Location - 3km away from Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
6. Jada Tirtham
Rameshwaram's heavenly land is occupied about 64 Tirtham, which may be located on and around the island. These tirthams are described in scriptures written in Devnagri, the ancient Hindu language. The majority of them are linked to Ramayana's divine substance.
The temple, which holds a statue of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman, draws visitors from all over the world. In addition, a statue of Lord Shiva is kept apart and worshipped. There is also a nearby temple of Lord Kapardisvara, located near the sacred pond, that is frequently visited by devotees throughout the year.
Timings of the Temple - 6:00 am to 11:00 am and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location - Rameshwaram, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
7. Kothandaramaswamy Temple
This is a historical temple that was built approximately 500 years ago in Rameshwaram, a small village in southern India. The temple is located near the sea and is regarded as one of the greatest sites to trace Lord Rama's footprints. Locals say that the murals and temple walls reflect the narrative of Vibhishan's last rituals of Pattabhishekam here. The walls of the Kothandaramaswamy temple are embellished with captivating artwork depicting scenes from the Hindu sacred scripture Ramayana. The temple's history is also portrayed on the temple's walls.
Timings of the Temple- 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
Location- Dhanushkodi, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Rameshwaram has been one of the most visited places in the world as it is known for its rich history and religious significance. The temples contribute to its holy culture. Visiting these temples will inspire you with spirituality and calm.
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