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Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is the most popular temple of Rameshwaram, which is a small island connected to the mainland via Pamban Bridge. It is undoubtedly the most important part of a Rameshwaram tour. Known for its intricate works, majestic towers and corridors this temple is a fine example of architecture excellence. This highly sacred temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India and is visited by almost every Hindu devotee. This temple has 22 theerthams, bathing in which is believed to atone sins of devotees. Sri Ramanathaswamy temple is regarded with high significance even in holy scripture of Hindu religion. It is associated with Lord Rama and his successful rescuising of Goddess Sita after killing demon Ravana as while on their way back to Ayodhya, it is here that Lord Rama had worshipped Lord Shiva.
The religious importance of this temple can be seen from the popular belief according to which a visit to pilgrimage Kashi is incomplete without a visit to Rameshwaram temple. Since ancient time, devotees would walk and spend months and years on travel for visiting both the shrines.
Legend of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple
According to the legend behind Sri ramanathaswamy Temple, Lord Rama had worshipped Lord Shiva here. Lord Rama, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, while coming back after killing demon Ravana had offered his prayers to Lord Shiva. Demon Ravana, who had abducted Goddess Sita, was a Brahmin king. As Lord Rama had killed him to end his cruelties and to rescue the Goddess, had decided to seek atonement by worshipping Lord Shiva. In order to offer prayers, Lord Rama had asked Hanuman to get lingam from Himalayas. However, Hanuman couldn't return with lingam on time owing to which Goddess Sita has created a lingam herself. Lord Rama then worshipped Lord Shiva at the pre decided auspicious moment. Pleased, Lord Shiva blessed Lord Rama and upon his request also manifested himself in the lingam. It is the believed that the same lingam is now present in the sanctum of the temple.
As per the legend, the lingam brought by Hanuman from Kailash has also been kept in the temple. The lingam is known as Vishwalingam or Hanumalingam. As per the instructions of Lord Rama, prayers are offered at Hanumalingam first before offering prayers to the Lord Ramanathaswamy.
History and Architecture of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple
The ancient shrine of Sri Ramanathaswamy temple is believed to be in a humble thatched hut until 12th century. It was later built as a concrete temple by Sethupathy rulers. The major additions to the temple were done from 12th to 16th century during the various reigns. In 13th century, stone blocks were shipped from Koneswaram temple, Trincomalee to renovate sanctum sanctorum of this temple. It was during the rule of King Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan. Many kingdoms such as Mysore, Travancore, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, etc., have also contributed a lot for the development of this temple, resulting in a magnificent structure. Few of the additions to the temple happened later as well, for instance the majestic corridor of the temple was built in 18th century. The present structure of Sri Ramanathaswamy temple was built during 17th century.
The present structure of Sri Ramanathaswamy temple is spread across 15 acres of land. Its majestic pillars, vast corridors, walls and gopurams allure every visitor. Its granite walls have intricate carvings have been mounted on a raised platform. This temple is surrounded by huge walls on all the four sides with height of almost 865 feet to 657 feet. The outer corridors of Rameshwaram temple is considered as the longest in the world, with a total length of 3850 feet for all the corridors. There are around 1212 pillars in the outer corridor with a height of 30 feet while the main tower of Rajagopuram has a height of around 53 meter.
There are majestic gopurams at the east and west while gate towers adorned the temple on the northern and southern side. There are many intriguing aspects of this temple which leaves everyone mesmerised. It is also said that the rocks used in corridor is not from this region but were brought from somewhere outside Tamil Nadu. Another striking feature is the paved way from western gopuram to Setumadhava shrine is in the form of a chess board, presenting a unique view. It is called as Chokkattan Mandapam where deities are kept during the Spring Festival.
South India unique are their grand structure, done beautifully in Vijaya Nagara and Dravidian styles. Like literally, you’ll find no compromised work of art anywhere in South India especially when it comes to the Hindu temples where a plethora of devotees throng from the world over. Each shrine in South India, irrespective of its location displays fine artwork not only in the interiors but also outside on the Gopurams (spire). For instance, the exquisite decor of the popular Sabarimala Sastha Temple in Sabarimala simply takes one’s breath away and how can we miss out on the colourful facade of Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, which is simply divine! The richness of South India temples does not limit to just the architecture but belief as well where millions of devotees gather to pay respect to holy figures. You can expect to witness the interesting rituals like hair offering or tonsuring to Lord Venkateswara. We can surely say that, there are no shortage of temples to tour in the South Indian states and to keep your pilgrimage holiday even better, we have compiled a list of must visit temples in South India.
