Ramanathaswamy Temple

Rameshwaram is an age-old magnificent marvel. The esteemed Hindu shrine attracts millions annually who relish in its rich history and religious connections. It pays homage to Lord Shiva and His avatar 'Ramanathaswamy,' whose legend recounts Lord Rama�s worship post returning from Lanka with Sita as noted in the epic Ramayana.

The lingam, an embodiment of Lord Shiva was then installed at Rameswaram, sanctifying this space forever more. Because of its association with Lord Rama and his divine act, this tranquil abode has great importance among Hindu devotees seeking blessings on their spiritual journeys.

Best time to Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple

Winter Season (November to February) is considered the peak tourist season in Rameshwaram. The weather during these months is pleasant and relatively cooler, making it an ideal time for temple visits and outdoor activities. The temperature ranges from 20�C to 30�C, ensuring a comfortable experience for devotees and tourists.

More About Ramanathaswamy Temple

Ramanathaswamy Temple is renowned for its architectural splendour and intricate craftsmanship. The temple complex spans over 15 acres and showcases a fusion of Dravidian and Vijayanagara architectural styles. The highlight of the temple is its impressive corridors, known as the "prakarams," which are considered the longest in any Hindu temple in the world. The outer corridor stretches over 6 kilometres, with exquisitely carved pillars and ornate sculptures that depict mythological stories and characters from Hindu scriptures.

The temple features several sacred tanks or "teerthams," and taking a holy bath in these tanks is an essential ritual for devotees visiting the temple. The most revered tank is the Agni Theertham, situated at the seashore, where pilgrims believe that Lord Rama washed away his sins. The temple also houses the Gandhamadhana Parvatham, a small hillock from where Lord Hanuman is believed to have leapt towards Lanka.

"Agni Theertham Snanam" is an essential ceremony at Ramanathaswamy Temple that involves bathing in Agni Theertham�s divine waters before heading into the primary portion of the temple.

Ramanathaswamy Temple Services

Ramanathaswamy Temple situated in Rameshwaram boasts a wide spectrum of offerings catering to devotees. Some of them are listed below:

• Darshan:The temple allows devotees to have darshan (sight) of the main deity, Lord Ramanathaswamy. Devotees can enter the temple and have a close view of the sacred idol, offering their prayers and seeking blessings.


• Poojas and Abhishekams:The temple conducts various poojas (ritualistic worship) and abhishekams (ceremonial bathing) to Lord Ramanathaswamy and other deities. Devotees can participate in these rituals and offer their prayers by engaging priests to perform the rituals on their behalf.


• Rameswaram Rama Lingam Darshan:The Rameswaram Rama Lingam, believed to be consecrated by Lord Rama, holds immense significance. Devotees can have darshan of this unique lingam, which is considered sacred and highly revered.


• Annadanam:Ramanathaswamy Temple provides annadanam, the sacred practice of offering food to devotees. Devotees can partake in the temple's free meal distribution program and receive a wholesome vegetarian meal as prasad (divine offering).


• Teertham:The temple has several teerthams (sacred tanks) within its premises. Devotees can take a dip in these teerthams, such as Agni Theertham, before entering the main temple. Bathing in these holy waters is believed to cleanse the soul and bestow spiritual purification.

Ramanathaswamy Temple Aarti

Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram conducts several aarti ceremonies throughout the day, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere for devotees. Aarti is a ritual of offering light to deities, accompanied by devotional songs and prayers.

• Palliyarai Deepa Aarti:This aarti takes place in the late evening, just before the temple deities retire for the night. It involves lighting oil lamps and offering prayers to Lord Ramanathaswamy.


• Shri Ramanathaswamy Aarti:To rouse Lord Ramanathaswamy, this aarti takes place early each morning. Watching the temple priests perform ritual offerings of incense, flowers and camphor flames while singing hymns to honour the deity is truly remarkable.


• Uchikala Aarti:This mid-morning aarti is conducted to worship Lord Ramanathaswamy and seek his blessings for the day ahead. Devotees participate in the aarti by offering prayers and joining in the devotional chants.


• Sayaratchai Aarti:This aarti takes place in the evening, just after sunset, and marks the culmination of the day's rituals. Devotees gather to witness the aarti and offer their prayers to Lord Ramanathaswamy before concluding their visit to the temple.

Nearby Tourist Spots

Exploring the surrounding areas of the temple can lead to discovering captivating tourist spots that celebrate the rich cultural and natural legacy of this region. Some of the nearby tourist attractions are

• Pamban Bridge
• Agnitheertham
• Rama Setu (Adam's Bridge)
• Gandhamadhana Parvatham
• Five Faced Hanuman Temple
• Kothandaramaswamy Temple
• Villoondi Tirtham
• Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge
• Ramalingeshwara Temple
• Rameswaram Marine National Park

Restaurants and Local Food in Ramanathaswamy Temple

Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram offers a unique culinary experience to its visitors with its traditional and delicious local food. The temple's kitchen, known as the "Annapoorna Annachathiram," serves wholesome and vegetarian meals to devotees as prasad (divine offering). Near Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, you can find a variety of restaurants and eateries that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are three popular restaurants in the vicinity of the temple:

• Sri Murugan Mess:Sri Murugan Mess is a well-known eatery located near Ramanathaswamy Temple. It specialises in serving delicious South Indian vegetarian cuisine.


• Brindavan Cafe:Brindavan Cafe is a cosy and popular restaurant located close to Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is known for its tasty vegetarian food and quick service.


• GANESH MESS:GANESH MESS is another notable restaurant situated near Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is renowned for its traditional Tamil Naducuisine, particularly its flavoursome thalis (platter meals) and biryanis.