Photo: Ssriram mt · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
What are the darshan timings of Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram?
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram in Rameshwaram is open for darshan 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM · 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM. The temple is located at centre of Rameshwaram island — about 1 km from Rameshwaram railway station.
Timings can change on festivals, eclipses and special occasions. Please confirm with the temple before you travel.
What is Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram known for?
The Ramanathaswamy temple on Rameshwaram island is both one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the Char Dham. It is built in the Dravidian style, and its outer corridor, lined with more than a thousand carved pillars, is among the longest temple corridors in India. Within the complex are twenty-two theerthams — sacred wells and tanks — in which pilgrims bathe before darshan.
Why is Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram significant?
The Ramayana tradition holds that Rama worshipped Shiva here on his return from Lanka, and the temple has two lingas: the Ramalinga, held to have been made of sand by Sita, and the Vishwalinga, brought by Hanuman from Kailash. By custom the Vishwalinga is worshipped first. The temple was expanded over many centuries, with the great corridors built largely under the Sethupathi rulers of Ramanathapuram.
Which rituals and festivals are held at Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram?
Pilgrims traditionally bathe first in the sea at Agni Theertham, then in the twenty-two theerthams within the temple, before taking darshan. Abhishek of the lingas and the offering of bel and flowers follow.
Mahashivratri is the principal festival, and the Thirukalyanam festival and the Ramalinga Pratishtha observance are also kept.
How do you reach Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram?
Rameshwaram railway station is about 1 kilometre from the temple; the island is linked to the mainland by road and rail over the Pamban channel. The nearest airport is Madurai, about 175 kilometres away.
Mobile phones are not permitted inside. The theertham bathing leaves you wet, so carry a change of clothes. Dhanushkodi, at the island's tip, is usually added to the visit.