Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu | Pilgrimage Destination India

Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga Tamil Nadu 

Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is a must-visit pilgrimage destination in India, and it is a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and architecture. The temple has a rich cultural and religious significance, and it is visited by millions of devotees every year. A visit to Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. 

History of Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga 

Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga has a rich historical significance, and it is believed that the temple was built in the 17th century. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama visited Rameshwaram after defeating the demon king Ravana and performed a puja to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Rama built the Shiva Linga and installed it at the Rameshwaram Temple. The temple is also mentioned in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. 

Significance of Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga 

Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, and it is believed that visiting the temple can wash away all sins and grant liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The temple is also considered as one of the four Dhams in India, and it is believed that a visit to Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga completes the Char Dham Yatra. 

The architecture of Rameshwaram Temple 

The Rameshwaram Temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, and it is spread over an area of 15 acres. The temple has five main entrances, and it is located at the tip of Rameshwaram Island. The temple has 22 wells, and it is believed that the water from these wells has medicinal properties. The temple has a 53-meter tall gopuram, and it is one of the tallest gopurams in South India. 

Rameshwaram Temple Attractions 

The Rameshwaram Temple has many attractions for visitors, and some of the must-visit places in the temple complex are: 

Agni Tirtham: It is a sacred water body located in front of the Rameshwaram Temple, and it is believed that taking a dip in the Agni Tirtham can wash away all sins. 

Ramanathaswamy Temple: It is the main temple in the complex, and it has 12 Jyotirlingas. 

Gandhamadhana Parvatham: It is a hillock located near the Rameshwaram Temple, and it has a footprint of Lord Rama. 

Dhanushkodi: It is a deserted town located at the southern tip of Rameshwaram Island, and it is believed that Lord Rama built a bridge from here to reach Lanka. 

Theerthams: There are 64 Theerthams (sacred water bodies) located in and around the Rameshwaram Temple, and it is believed that taking a dip in these Theerthams can cure many ailments. 

Festivals and Celebrations 

Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year, but the temple is especially crowded during festivals and celebrations. Some of the major festivals celebrated at the Rameshwaram Temple are: 

Mahashivaratri: It is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva, and it usually falls in February or March. 

Ram Navami: It is a Hindu festival celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Rama, and it usually falls in March or April. 

Navratri: It is a Hindu festival celebrated to honor the nine forms of Goddess Durga, and it usually falls in September or October. 

Best Time to Visit Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga 

The best time to visit Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is between October and April when the weather is pleasant, and the temperature ranges between 20°C and 30°C. However, visitors should avoid visiting the temple during the monsoon season (June to September) as the town receives heavy rainfall during this time. 

Accommodation Options in Rameshwaram 

There are many accommodation options available in Rameshwaram, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Some of the popular hotels in Rameshwaram are Hotel Tamil Nadu, Hotel Royal Park, and Daiwik Hotels. 

Food Options in Rameshwaram 

Rameshwaram is known for its delicious South Indian cuisine, and there are many restaurants and eateries that offer authentic South Indian food. Some of the must-try dishes are dosa, idli, vada, sambar, and rasam. 

Safety Tips for Visitors 

Visitors to Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga should be careful while taking a dip in the sea, as the currents can be strong. It is also important to dress appropriately while visiting the temple and to respect the local customs and traditions. 

Things to Do Near Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga 

Apart from visiting the Rameshwaram Temple, there are many other things to do near Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga. Some of the popular activities are: 

• Take a dip in the Agni Tirtham 
• Visit the Gandhamadhana Parvatham 
• Explore the ghost town of Dhanushkodi 
• Visit the Pamban Bridge 

Hidden facts about Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu:-

Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (sacred abodes of Lord Shiva) in India and is located on the island of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. Here are some lesser-known facts about this holy site:

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama installed a lingam (an abstract representation of Lord Shiva) here and worshiped it to seek forgiveness for killing Ravana, a demon king.

The temple's architecture is a unique blend of Dravidian and Rajput styles, and it is believed to have been built during the 12th century.

The temple's corridors are famous for their intricate carvings, which depict various Hindu deities, stories from Hindu mythology, and scenes from the Ramayana.

The temple's main entrance is known as the 'Rajagopuram,' and it stands at a height of 53 meters, making it one of the tallest temple towers in South India.

The temple has 22 sacred wells, which are believed to have medicinal properties. The water from these wells is used in the temple's rituals and is also given to devotees as prasad (blessed offering).

The temple is located at the eastern tip of Rameshwaram Island, and from here, one can see the Adam's Bridge, a chain of limestone shoals that connects India with Sri Lanka. According to Hindu mythology, this bridge was built by Lord Rama's army to cross over to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita.

The temple's annual festival, Maha Shivaratri, is celebrated with great pomp and show, and thousands of devotees from all over the country visit the temple during this time.

The temple has four entrance gates, which are named after the four cardinal directions. The eastern gate is considered the main entrance, and it is believed that entering the temple through this gate will cleanse one of their sins.

The temple's sanctum sanctorum houses the lingam, which is made of sand and is said to have been installed by Lord Rama himself.

According to legend, Hanuman, the monkey god, brought a lingam from Kailash (the abode of Lord Shiva) to Rameshwaram to install it, but he was late, and Lord Rama had already installed his own lingam. Hanuman became angry and tried to uproot the lingam installed by Lord Rama, but he was stopped by Lord Shiva, who appeared before him in the form of a boy.

How to travel by road to Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu, and the nearest bus stand 

The nearest bus stand to Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is the Rameshwaram Bus Stand. The easiest way to reach Rameshwaram by road is to take a bus from Chennai. There are several buses that ply between Chennai and Rameshwaram. The journey time is usually between 6 to 8 hours depending on the route chosen. You can also take a bus from Madurai, which is about 170 km away. The journey time is usually around 4 hours. For those traveling from Bangalore, the closest bus stand is the Salem Bus Stand. From there, you can take a bus to Rameshwaram, which takes around 9 to 11 hours. 

How to travel by train to Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu and the nearest railway station 

The nearest railway station to Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is Rameshwaram Railway Station. You can travel to Rameshwaram by train from any major city in India. The nearest major railway station is Madurai Junction which is around 140 km from Rameshwaram. Trains from Chennai, Bangalore, Kanyakumari, Trivandrum, Coimbatore, etc. ply regularly to Rameshwaram. You can check the availability of trains and book your tickets online. 

How to travel by air to Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu, and the nearest airport 

The nearest airport to Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga in Tamil Nadu is Madurai Airport (IXM), located in Madurai, about 163 km away from Rameshwaram. You can fly to Madurai Airport from anywhere in India and then take a bus or taxi to reach Rameshwaram. There are also direct flights from Chennai, Mumbai, and other cities to Madurai Airport. 

FAQs 

Q.1 Is there an entry fee for Rameshwaram Temple? 

No, there is no entry fee for the temple. 

Q.2 Can non-Hindus visit Rameshwaram Temple? 

Yes, non-Hindus are allowed to visit the temple. 

Q.3 What is the dress code for visiting the temple? 

Men should wear a dhoti or lungi, and women should wear a saree or salwar kameez. 

Q.4 Is photography allowed inside the temple? 

No, photography is not allowed inside the temple. 

Q.5 How long does it take to visit Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga? 

The temple can be visited in a few hours, but it is recommended to spend at least a day in Rameshwaram to explore the surrounding areas. 

Q.6 Can we take a dip in the sea at Rameshwaram? 

Yes, visitors can take a dip in the Agni Tirtham, which is considered to be a holy bathing spot. 

Q.7 What is the significance of Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga? 

Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and is considered to be a very sacred place for Hindus.