Divya Kshetra · Rameswaram · Tamil Nadu
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple
The Ramanathaswamy Temple (Rāmanātasvāmi Kōyil) is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu, India.
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About Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple
The Ramanathaswamy Temple (Rāmanātasvāmi Kōyil) is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, making it one of the holiest Shiva temples in India. The temple is also one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams, praised in the devotional hymns of the Shaivite saints Appar, Sundarar, and Sambandar.
According to Hindu tradition and the Ramayana, Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva at Rameswaram before crossing the sea to Lanka via the bridge known as Rama Setu. He installed and worshipped a Shiva Lingam to seek divine blessings for victory over Ravana. The temple is also one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage destinations, making it a major pilgrimage site for Shaivites, Vaishnavites, and Smartas.
The temple was expanded by the Pandya rulers during the 12th century. Later, the sanctum was renovated by the rulers of the Jaffna Kingdom, including Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan and Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan. The magnificent corridors, for which the temple is world-famous, were completed under the patronage of King Muthuramalinga Sethupathy.
The temple is celebrated for having the longest temple corridor among all Hindu temples in India, featuring beautifully carved pillars and remarkable Dravidian architecture.
According to the Yuddha Kanda of the Ramayana, Lord Rama explained to Sita that worshipping Lord Shiva at Rameswaram before constructing the bridge to Lanka would remove even the gravest sins. The Shiva Purana further states that Lord Shiva appeared before Rama, granted him victory over Ravana, and agreed to remain at Rameswaram as Rameshvara, blessing devotees with both worldly prosperity and spiritual liberation.
The Ramanathaswamy Temple remains one of India's most sacred pilgrimage centers, attracting millions of devotees every year for worship, ritual bathing in the 22 holy theerthams, and seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva and Lord Rama.
Through The Ages
Temple History
Temple Architecture
The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and is renowned for its grandeur, intricate carvings, and magnificent corridors. Built and expanded over several centuries by the Pandya rulers, the Jaffna kings, and the Sethupathi rulers, the temple is one of the finest examples of South Indian temple architecture.
Rajagopurams (Gateway Towers):
- The temple has impressive East and West Rajagopurams (gateway towers).
- The East Rajagopuram, rising to about 53 metres (174 feet), is the tallest entrance tower and is adorned with beautifully sculpted deities and mythological figures.
Famous Corridors:
- The temple is celebrated for having the longest temple corridors among all Hindu temples in India.
- The corridors extend for a total length of about 1,200 metres (nearly 4,000 feet).
- They are supported by more than 1,000 intricately carved granite pillars, each displaying unique craftsmanship.
Sanctum (Garbhagriha):
- The main sanctum houses the Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga, worshipped as Lord Shiva.
- Nearby is the Vishwalingam, believed to have been brought from Mount Kailash by Lord Hanuman. Devotees traditionally worship the Vishwalingam first.
Nandi Mandapam:
- A large and beautifully sculpted Nandi (the sacred bull of Lord Shiva) faces the main sanctum.
- The Nandi Mandapam is an important architectural feature of the temple.
Sacred Theerthams:
The temple contains 22 sacred wells (Theerthams), each believed to have holy water with unique spiritual significance. Pilgrims customarily bathe in these wells before entering the sanctum for darshan. Agni Theertham, the sacred seashore located just outside the temple, is also an important place for ritual bathing.
Mandapams and Sculptures:
The temple features several beautifully carved halls (Mandapams) used for religious ceremonies and festivals. Its walls, pillars, and ceilings are decorated with exquisite sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and the Ramayana. The Ramanathaswamy Temple is regarded as one of India's greatest architectural and spiritual treasures, attracting devotees, historians, and architecture enthusiasts from around the world.
Location
Rameswaram
Deity
Lord Shiva
State
Tamil Nadu
District
Ramanathapuram
Dress Code
Visitors are expected to wear modest and traditional attire while visiting the temple.
Men
- Dhoti (Veshti) with or without a shirt.
- Full-length pants with a shirt or kurta.
- Pyjama with a shirt or kurta.
Women
- Saree
- Salwar Kameez / Churidar with dupatta.
- Pavadai–Davani (Half Saree).
Not Permitted
- Shorts or Bermudas.
- Sleeveless or revealing dresses.
- Tight leggings worn as the only lower garment.
- Torn or inappropriate clothing.
Devotee Guidelines:
- Wear clean, decent, and respectful clothing suitable for a place of worship.
- Traditional Indian attire is encouraged, especially during festivals and special poojas.
- Remove footwear before entering the temple premises.
Do's:
- Dress modestly in traditional or decent attire.
- Remove your footwear before entering the temple premises.
- Maintain silence and respect the sanctity of the temple.
- Follow the instructions of temple authorities and security personnel.
- Stand patiently in the darshan queue.
- Deposit mobile phones, cameras, and prohibited items in the designated counters if required.
- Keep the temple premises clean by using dustbins.
- Stay hydrated, especially if you climb the 693 steps to the hilltop shrine.
Don'ts:
- Do not wear revealing, torn, or inappropriate clothing.
- Do not consume alcohol, tobacco, or intoxicating substances before or inside the temple.
- Do not carry plastic bags or litter the temple premises.
- Do not take photographs or videos in prohibited areas, especially inside the sanctum (Garbhagriha).
- Do not jump queues or push other devotees.
- Do not touch the idols, temple structures, or decorations unless permitted.
- Do not bring pets into the temple premises.
- Do not engage in loud conversations or play music inside the temple.
- Do not accept prasadam or services from unauthorized persons.
By Road
Regular Tamil Nadu State Transport and private buses operate from:
Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari
The temple is connected to the mainland by the Pamban Road Bridge.
By Rail
Nearest Railway Station: Rameswaram Railway Station (about 2 km from the temple).
Direct trains connect Rameswaram with Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore, and other major cities. The train journey across the Pamban Railway Bridge offers spectacular sea views.
By Air
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (about 170–175 km), Taxis and buses are available from the airport to Rameswaram. Other nearby airports include Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) and Tiruchirappalli (Trichy).
Upcoming Festivals
Temple Gallery
Temple Information
Temple Timings
Morning: 4.00 AM - 1.00 PM
Afternoon: 3.00 PM - 8.00 PM
Contact Number
Temple Website
Daily Schedule
Daily Pooja Timings
| Pooja | Time | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palliyarai Deepa Aradhanai | 5:00 am | 30 min | Morning |
| Spatikalinga Deepa Aradhana | 5:10 am | 50 min | Morning |
| Thiruvananthal Deepa Aradhana | 5:45 am | 30 min | Morning |
| Vilva Puja | 7:00 am | 30 min | Morning |
| Uchikala Pooja | 12:00 pm | 30 min | Noon |
| Sayaratcha Puja | 6:00 pm | 30 min | Evening |
| Palliyarai Puja | 8:45 pm | 30 min | Night |
| Arthajama Pooja | 8:30 pm | 20 min | Night |
| Kalasanthi Pooja | 10:00 am | 45 min | Morning |
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Temple Location
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple
Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram
Tamil Nadu