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Ramanathaswamy Temple: History, Facts and Travel Guide!

The  Ramanathaswamy Temple is an island in Tamil Nadu, India, and is regarded as one of the most popular Hindu places of Lord Shiva. Famed for being one of twelve Jyotirlingas, this temple has great religious significance and close association with epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama worshipped Shiva. The temple is known for its fine and exquisite Dravidian architecture; it has the world's longest temple corridor and intricately done carvings within, hence making it a place to attract both spiritual seekers and history buffs.

Contents: 

1. About Shri Ramanathaswamy Temple
2. The History of Shri Ramanathaswamy Temple
3. How to reach Shri Ramanathaswamy Temple
4. Some suggestions before going to Shri Ramanathaswamy Temple
5. Amazing Facts about Shri Ramanathaswamy Temple
6. Overall Budget of the Travel
7. FAQs

About Shri Ramanathaswamy Temple

One of the main shrines that attract Hindus, situated at Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu, is the Ramanathaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is the most significant among them because it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered the holiest places of Shiva worship. It has high religious significance, with many of its followers believing that the temple is imbued with healing power and can take aficionados to spiritual peace if they visit. The temple is also related to the famous epic called Ramayana. Legend goes that Lord Rama did pray to Lord Shiva at this place for compensation for killing Ravana, who was a Brahmin. 

Any visitor walking through this corridor will be left in a mystic experience since every pillar is different and more exquisitely crafted than the other. There are a total of 22 sacred water tanks, known as theerthams, in the temple, where pilgrims bathe ritualistically with the faith that the waters are curative. Two important lingams placed for worship within the temple complex are one made out of sand by Sita and one secured from the Himalayas by Hanuman.

Kudos to the vertically rising lofty gopurams of the temple, available for view from a distance, incredibly adding to the magnificence of the temple. The wall of the temple is enriched with minute sculptures and carvings that narrate stories of gods and heroes. Thus, the Ramanathaswamy Temple is not only a spiritual tour but also a visit to Indian cultural heritage.

The History of Shri Ramanathaswamy Temple

The linkage of the temple with the Ramayana forms a very basic underlying factor for its significance. The story says that Lord Rama did penance for the sin of killing the demon king Ravana, who happened to be a Brahmin. Returned from Lanka, Rama worshipped a lingam out of sand on an island to seek penance from Lord Shiva; he installed it with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. This lingam is called Ramalingam. Actually, Rama had sent Hanuman to bring a lingam from the Himalayas, but as Hanuman took time, Sita made a lingam out of sand. This lingam is the presiding deity of the temple and is in worship even now.

Also Read: Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga: Complete Information and Travel Guide!

Pandya and Jaffna Kings: During the 12th and 13th centuries, the Pandya and Jaffna kings extended the temple to a great extent. They built the original sanctum and the splendid corridors, which are at present the longest temple corridors in the world.

The Vijayanagara and Nayak rulers, who ruled during the 14th to 17th centuries, also did a lot for the architecture of the temple. The imposing gopurams were built by them, and they further extended the corridors. Many intricate sculptures and gigantic outer walls of the temple were constructed during the Nayak rulers.

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How to reach Shri Ramanathaswamy Temple

• By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport (IXM), located approx. 170 kilometers far from Rameswaram. From Madurai, you can take a taxi or take a bus to reach Rameswaram.
• By Train: Rameswaram has its own railway station, Rameswaram Railway Station (Station Code: RMM), which is well-connected to major cities like Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Trichy. Regular trains ply to and from Rameswaram, making it a convenient option for travelers.
• By Road:
• From Madurai: Rameswaram is approximately 170 kilometers from Madurai. You can drive via NH 87 or take a state transport bus.
• From Chennai: Rameswaram is about 560 kilometers from Chennai. You can either drive via NH 32 and NH 38 or take a bus from Chennai to Rameswaram.
• Local Transport: Once in Rameswaram, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple. 
• By Sea: There are ferry services available from mainland India (Dhanushkodi) to Rameswaram. However, these services are less frequent and are subject to weather conditions.
• Local Transportation Tips:
• Auto-Rickshaws: They are readily available and are a convenient mode of transport within Rameswaram town.
• Local Buses: Rameswaram has a well-established local bus network that connects various parts of the town.
• Walking: Many accommodations and tourist spots in Rameswaram are within walking distance, including the Ramanathaswamy Temple.

Also Read: Brihadeshwara Temple: Info, Facts and Travel Guide!

Some suggestions before going to Shri Ramanathaswamy Temple

• Temple Timings: Check in advance because the temple timings keep on changing with the rituals and festivals. This will ensure a visit at the right time and also circumvents one from disappointment.
• Dress code: Observe the dress code of the temple because in most cases, it would ask you to dress up more conservatively and show your shoulders and knees. No shoes are generally allowed inside the premises of the temple.
• Footwear Management: Bring along a pair of socks or a footwear bag to keep your feet covered outside the temple. Most temples in India require that shoes and other footwear be removed before entering.
• Hydration and Snacks: Bring drinking water and light refreshments, particularly when you intend to spend substantial time around the temple complex and surroundings.
• Appropriate Behavior: Be absolutely silent and respect the sanctity of this place. Absolutely do not holler or raise your voice inside.
• Photography: Enquire if they have any sort of restriction regarding taking photos within the temple complex. Some places might seem a no-go zone for photography, and you should be respectful in such cases.
• Guided Tours: Get into the guided tour to understand the history behind the temple and simply its architecture and why it was built and aspects of religious significance that interpret your visit more amply.
• Local Customs: Be aware of the local customs and traditions followed in the temple. Participating in some of them and respecting others will enhance the cultural experience.
• Weather Preparedness: Check for the weather and dress accordingly to it, more so if you are going to visit any outdoor areas or participate in rituals involving water.

Amazing Facts about Shri Ramanathaswamy Temple

• Longest Temple Corridor: It has a world record for the longest temple corridor, which is about 1,200 meters in length. The entire corridor is replete with highly ornate pillars, with never-duplicating designs and skillful craftsmanship.
• Holy Water Tanks: There are 22 theerthams, holy water tanks, in the premises that are believed to have medicinal and spiritual values. The pilgrims take ritual baths in these tanks before entering the main sanctum.
• Unique Jyotirlinga: Among the twelve Jyotirlingas, auspicious abodes of Lord Shiv, the most sacred in Hinduism, lies the Shri Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is said that the lingam here, which symbolizes Lord Shiva, is very powerful and auspicious.
• Historical Presence: The chronicled history of this temple dates back several centuries, with contributions from many different dynasties—the Pandya, Chola, and Nayak rulers—each having added to its architectural splendor.
• Floating Stones: It is believed that the Rama-Setu to Lanka was started from Rameswaram. The stones used for laying this bridge are said to have had the inscription of Lord Rama's name on them, and when blessed by Shiva, they floated upon water.
• Lord Hanuman's role: According to legend, great devotee of Lord Rama, Lord Shiva's lingam was brought from the Himalayas by Hanuman. But openly, by tradition, the lingam made of sand by Sita was worshipped first.
• Gandhamadhana Parvatham: This hill near the temple provides a panoramic view of Rameswaram and it is the place from where Lord Rama stood to have a glimpse of Lanka.

Also Read: Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Info, Facts and Travel Guide!

Overall Budget of the Travel

The total cost of visiting Ramanathaswamy Temple will not shock you, as you just need travel tickets and some cash for food and hotel rooms. The overall budget you can expect is a maximum of 7,000–12,000 per person, depending on your flight or train tickets and in which season you are booking hotels, as during the festive season hotel prices reach their peak value. It is advised to visit Ramanathaswamy Temple on weekdays to make your trip cheap and comfortable.

Conclusion

We have mentioned every piece of information you need about Ramanathaswamy Temple. The trip to Ramanathaswamy Temple is a dream of every person living in India and Lord Shiva devotees, as this trip includes temples, hills, beautiful views, greenery, comfort, and a unique experience. If you follow our suggestions, then your Ramanathaswamy Temple trip will be more amazing and safe. You can comment on any doubt you have in your mind or your experience of the Ramanathaswamy Temple trip.

FAQs

What is special about Ramanathaswamy Temple?

Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram is very famous for its being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the sacred lingams of Lord Shiva. assortment mentions that it has the longest corridor of any temple in the world, the holy tanks of water, and refined Dravidian architecture that attracts millions of people to purify their sins and seek blessings from God.

What is the story of 22 wells in Rameshwaram?

The 22 wells in Rameshwaram were based on Hindu mythology and a great epic, Ramayana. The legend says that Lord Rama, after defeating Ravana and rescuing Sita, wanted to perform some special worship to cleanse his body from the sin of killing a Brahmin (Ravana). He established a Shiva lingam at Rameswaram as advised by Lord Rishi Agastya, made of sand by Sita. The lingam brought by Hanuman from Kailash is said to have been worshiped first.

Who built the Ramanathaswamy Temple?

The construction of the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram was started by the Pandya dynasty in the 12th century. Later, several renovations and expansions took place with the contribution of some rulers and the dynasties of the Pandya's, Nayaks, and Vijayanagara kings, each stamping their mark on architectural and value of the temple from time to time.

Can we touch Shivling in Rameshwaram?

YES, one can personally touch the Shivling in the sanctum sanctorum in Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram. It is usually practiced that all rituals can be done and offered to the lingam, by the pilgrims themselves, as part of their worship. However, respect has to be given to the Shivling, and, upon):: Instructions, one may follow particular traditions attributed to the worship of the deity and touching of the Shivling.

What is the story behind Rameshwaram?

The importance that Rameshwaram holds in Hindu mythology is derived from the journey of Lord Rama to Lanka. It is the place where he prayed to Lord Shiva to cleanse his body of sins, using a lingam prepared by Sita from sand and another brought by Hanuman from Mount Kailash; both lingams were then commemorated on this island at the Ramanathaswamy Temple one of the principal sites of pilgrimage to this day.