Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram

Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

At the heart of Rameswaram, Ramanathaswamy Temple offers a divine and uplifting ambience where devotees come together to seek blessings, peace, and guidance. This sacred shrine has been a beacon of faith for centuries, standing as a reminder of the community’s shared devotion and spiritual connection. From the moment one enters its premises, the calming chants, fragrant incense, and gentle temple bells create an atmosphere that soothes the soul. The temple is not only a place for prayer but also a centre for cultural gatherings, festivals, and traditional rituals that strengthen communal ties. Whether during quiet daily worship or grand celebrations, Ramanathaswamy Temple continues to touch hearts and minds, making it one of the most cherished spiritual destinations in Rameswaram. It also proudly reflects the timeless traditions seen in many Ancient temples in Tamil Nadu.

Ramanathaswamy Temple History and Significance

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located on Rameswaram island in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples and one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalam. The lingam was established and worshipped by Rama before crossing the bridge to Lanka.

The temple was expanded during the 12th century by the Pandya Dynasty. The principal shrine’s sanctum was renovated by Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan and his successor Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan, monarchs of the Jaffna kingdom. The temple has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India, built by King Muthuramalinga Sethupathy.

Ramanathaswamy Temple Opening Time
Ramanathaswamy Temple Pooja Timing
Ramanathaswamy Temple Information Facilities and Accommodation
Ramanathaswamy Temple Transportation and Accessibility
Ramanathaswamy Temple Interesting Facts
Other Shiva Temples
Famous Temples from around

Ramanathaswamy Temple Opening Time

Day	Timings
Monday	4:00 AM – 1:00 PM 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday	4:00 AM – 1:00 PM 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday	4:00 AM – 1:00 PM 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Thursday	4:00 AM – 1:00 PM 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Friday	4:00 AM – 1:00 PM 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday	4:00 AM – 1:00 PM 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Sunday	4:00 AM – 1:00 PM 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Ramanathaswamy Temple Pooja Timing

Pooja Name	Timings
Thiruvanandal pooja	06:00 AM to 06:15 AM IST
Vilaa pooja	07:00 AM to 07:15 AM IST
Kalasandhi pooja	10:00 AM to 10:15 AM IST
Uchikkala Pooja	12:00 PM to 12:15 PM IST
Sayaraksha Pooja (Evening)	06:00 PM to 06:15 PM IST
Ardhajama Pooja	08:30 PM to 08:45 PM IST

Ramanathaswamy Temple Location Details

Ramanathaswamy Temple is located in Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu. The temple is well connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible for devotees and tourists. Below are the location details.

Address

EAST CAR STREET, 623526

04573221223

How to Reach Ramanathaswamy Temple

By Road:

Rameswaram is well-connected by road to major towns in Tamil Nadu. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly from cities like Madurai, Chennai, and Kanyakumari.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Rameswaram Railway Station (just 1-2 km from the temple). Trains from major cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore connect directly to Rameswaram.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Madurai Airport (approximately 170 km away). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Rameswaram via connecting cities.

Ramanathaswamy Temple Visitor Information & Tips

Best time to visit (season/months):

October to April is the best time to visit due to pleasant weather. Avoid the monsoon season (July to September) as it may bring heavy rainfall.

Temple Facility

Free Footwear Stand:

Free chappal stands are available near the temple in the east and west car streets.

Battery Car:

There are four battery cars provided by the temple free of cost, physically challenged and aged devotees are availing this facility

Karunai Illam:

At present 48 girl students are patronaged in the Karunai Illam maintained by this temple. Good Education ,food, dress, RO Drinking water, Accommodation and medical facilities are being provided free of cost. Surveillance cameras has been installed in the Karunai illam and security persons were deployed. Temple staffs are taking care of them. This Karunai Illam is register under District Child Protection Unit.

Hospital:

1) A Siddha hospital is being maintained by this temple with a Siddha Doctor at East Car street near the temple. Devotees are utilising this facility. 2) An Allopathic Medical First Aid Centre is also being maintained by this temple at East Car street near the temple. Three Medical teams consisting of a doctor, a staff nurse and a multipurpose attendant on contract basis are being encaged in three shifts daily. Devotees at large are being benefitted utilising this facility.

Wheel Chair:

6 number of wheel chairs are available for differently abled devotees at Anuppu Mandapam of Eastern Tower entrance.

Drinking Water R.O.:

Purified drinking water facilities are provided at Temple office complex, Temple 3rd Corridor , Swamy shrine, Ambal shrine and the holy Theertham bathing area.

Information Centre:

The temple`s information centre is located at the Anuppu mandapam near Eastern Tower entrance. The devotees can donate and get printed tickets for their donation.

Toilet Facility:

Toilet facilities for devotees are available at temple`s car parking, pilgrims shed near railway station ,East Car Street near the temple. All the devotees can use the toilets and bath room free of cost.

Other Shiva Temples

Ramanathaswamy Temple Information Facilities and Accommodation

Temple Speciality

Holly Tank:

Yamuna Theertham - Gnanasuruthi Rajah attained wisdom.

Holly Tank:

Vaali Theertham is an open well located on the way to Gandhamadana Parvatham area of Rameshwaram, it is 1.80 km away from the west tower of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple. Vaali Theertham is in the neighborhood of Jhambavan Theertham / According to ancient Indian mythology, this Theertham was d by Vaali, the Vanara king mentioned in the Epic Ramayana

Holly Tank:

The Sugreeva Theertham is located on Parvatham road at Rameswaram. It is a beautiful Theertham with numerous lotus plants floating on its water surface. The Theertham is believed to be d by Sugreeva, a character in the epic Ramayana. He was the ruler of the monkey kingdom and an aide of Lord Rama. According to Indian mythology, bathing in the Sugreeva Teertham brings glory to ones life.

Holly Tank:

Sooriya Theertham - One will get the knowledge of the past present and the future and reach the worlds they want.

Holly Tank:

Siva Theertham - Completion of Bhaira Brahmahathi.

Holly Tank:

Sethu Madhava Theertham - One will get Lakshmi blessings and purification of the heart.

Holly Tank:

Savithri Theertham - King kasibar got rid of his curse.

Holly Tank:

Sarva Theertham - Sutharishna got rid of this blindness (from birth) illness and old age and then he prospered.

Holly Tank:

Sarvaroga Nivarana Teertham is situated in the reserve forest area, on S the the way to Dhanushkodi. Jata Teertham and Jatayu Teertham are close to the Sarvaroga Nivarana Teertham. Ramanathaswamy temple is about 6 km. from the Sarvaroga Nivarana Teertham. It is believed to have been d by Goddess Parameswari and also that bathing in this Teertham cures one of all diseases.

Holly Tank:

Saraswathi Theertham - King Kasibar got rid of his curse.

Holly Tank:

Sangu Theertham - Vathsanaba, the Sage, got rid of his sin of ingratitude.

Holly Tank:

Sakkara Theertham - The sun got his hand turned golden.

Holly Tank:

The Sahadeva Theertham is located on the outskirts of the Sambai area. It is 1.4 km. away from the west tower of the Main temple. All the Teerthas belonging to Pancha Pandavas are near each other. Sahadeva Teertham is adjacent to Nakula Teertham and is exactly the same shape. Sahadeva was the youngest brother of the Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata. Sahadeva and his twin brother Nakula were blessed by King Pandu and Queen Madri by the twin gods Ashwins. He is considered to be skilled in Swordsmanship and Astrology. In the Kurukshetra war, Sahadeva killed many warriors of the Kauravas including Shakuni.

Holly Tank:

Sadhyamirtha Theertham - Emperor Bururoonu got rid of his curse.

Holly Tank:

RunavimochanaTheertham is located in the Thangachimadam village. Atri Maharshi is believed to have d Runavimochana Teertham. According to Indian mythology, a holy dip in this Teertham frees a person from adversities of indebtedness. Skanda Purana mentions that Kubera (god of wealth) was relieved from the curse of Sage Atri Maharshi after bathing in this water body. Runavimochana Teertham is located at the Thangatchimadam village, opposite the Mangala Teertham. It is 7 km. away from the Ramanathaswamy temple. Abdul Kalams memorial, Ekantha Ramar temple, and Mangala Vanam are the other important places of interest, located in the vicinity of Runavimochana Teertham.

Holly Tank:

Ramar Teertham is one of the most popular pilgrim destinations of Rameswaram. Lakhs of people visit this place every year. It is a freshwater, stepped tank located at a central location of Rameswaram town. It is one of the largest temple tanks associated with the Ramanathaswamy temple. It is believed that the Teertham was d by Lord Rama himself and he himself bathed in this Teertham. There is a Rama Temple opposite the water body. It is believed that bathing in Ramar Teertham absolves ones sin caused due to lying.

Holly Tank:

Parshuram Theertham is a tank located in the street just opposite the famous Bhadra Kali Amman Temple. It is approximately 900 meters away from the west tower of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple.It is believed that the Teertham was d by Lord Parshuram. Parshuram is an incarnation of Mahavisņu. According to the Nilamata Purana Parasurama eliminated twenty-one times all the Ksatriyas on the earth, to avenge the murder of his father. In the twenty-first attack, he followed the Ksatriyas to Kasmira and after killing them near the river Madhumati, he erected there an image of Kesava which, as the Nilamata informs us, was worshipped by the people, with animal sacrifices.

Holly Tank:

Papavinashaka Theertham is found in Mandapam village of Ramanathapuram district. This is one of the few Teerthams, located outside Rameswaram island. It is believed that bathing in Papavinashaka Theertham releases one from the repercussions of all the sins, committed in previous births Papavinashaka Teertham is located in Mandapam village of Ramanathapuram district, to the West of national highways NH 87. The Teertham is about 16 kms from Ramanathaswamy temple and 0.25 km away from the Pamban bridge.

Holly Tank:

Panacha Teertham is located in Mangadu Rameswaram town. It is believed that the Teertham was d by Panasa, a leader of the monkey army who supported Rama in his war against Ravana. Bathing in Panacha Teertham is believed to help one attain immortality. It is situated about 2 km. from the west tower of Ramanathaswamy temple in the northern direction. It is in the vicinity of other Teerthams such as Brahma Teertham, Sahadeva Teertham, and Virega Teertham.

Holly Tank:

Neela Theertham - One will get the benefit of Samastha (entire) Yaga and receive Agni Yoga.

Holly Tank:

Naraniya Theertham is a tank, Located on the outskirts of Olaikuda village. The Theertham was named after Naraniyan, a character in the epic, Ramayana. He was one of the ministers of Vibhishana. The Narayana Theertham is located approximately 4.6km. From the west tower of Ramanathaswamy Temple in the northwest direction. it is in the vicinity of other Theerthams such as Gaja and Narena.

Holly Tank:

Nala Theertham - One will get Soorya Thejas and reach Heaven.

Holly Tank:

The Nakula Teertham is located at the end of the Sambai area of Rameswaram. This Theertham is believed to be d by Naku- la who is the fourth of the Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata. Nakula was born because of the bless- ings of Ashwini kumara brothers (Nasatya and Dasra) to Madri, the second wife of Pandu.

Holly Tank:

The Naga Teertham is a tank located just opposite the East Tower behind Vivekananda Bhaskaram. Many people visit this traditional waterbody Teertham to get rid of the Sarpadosha from their horoscope. Naga Theertham blesses the unmarried with weddings and the childless with children

Holly Tank:

Mangala Teertham located at NH 87 within Rameswaram town of Rameswaram Island. The Theertham is believed to be d by Brahma Deva himself with the good intention of the devotees getting the blessings of Mahalakshmi. There is a Rama Temple near the Teertham. The specialty of the Rama Temple is that it is believed that Lord Rama and his associates planned the bridge from within the temple

Holly Tank:

Mahalakshmi Theertham - Dharmarajan bathed here and got riches.

Holly Tank:

The Kumuda Theertham is located on the outskirts of the Sudukattanpatti area and next to the Ayyanar temple is the Tharavai wetland. it is situated approximately 1.50km from the west tower of the Main temple. The Kumuda Theerthakm is believed to be d by Kumuda a Vanara Warrior.

Holly Tank:

Krishna Theertham is located on the outskirts of Sambai village. The Krishnan Theertham might have been renovated during the Vijayanagara rule. The Krishna Theertham is approximately 2.7km from the west tower of Ramanathaswamy Temple in a northwest direction, it is in the vicinity of other Theerthams, Such as Sahadeva, Nakula, and Veera Theerthams.

Holly Tank:

Kodi Theertham - Lord Rama d this Theertham with his bow called Gothandam. Hence the name is KODI THEERTHAM. This Theertham enables devotees to get rid of their sins and get blessings to achieve their wishes.

Holly Tank:

Kavatcha Theertham - One will not go to hell.

Holly Tank:

The Jhambavan Teertham is an open well located on the way to Gandhamadana Parvatham. It is 1.9 km from the west tower of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is near Vaali and Angada Teerthams. This Teertham has been named after Jhambavan, a character from the Epic, the Ramayana. According to the Epic, he was the divine king of bears, d by God Brahma to assist Lord Rama in the latters struggle to rescue his wife Sita from Ravana. Jhambavan, together with Parshuram and Hanuman are considered to be the few who were present during both Rama and Krishna Avatars. In the Epic Ramayana, Jambavan helped Rama to find Sita and fight Ravana. It was he who made Hanuman realize his immense potential and motivated him to fly across the sea in search of Sita in Lanka.

Holly Tank:

Jata Teertham is a Pushkarani type of fresh water. The Teertham is associated with the popular Mahamaham festival, celebrated once in 12 years. It is believed that Lord Rama washed his matted hair in this Teertham after having killed Ravana in the war. Bathing in Jata Teertham is perceived to destroy ignorance and offer purity of mind. The Jata Teertham is situated in a forest environment. It is 7 km. away from the Ramanathaswamy Temple, in the southeast direction. Ramakrishnapuram is the nearest residential area to Jata Teertham. A Siva temple is in the Teerthams vicinity.

Holly Tank:

Hara Teertham is named after Hara, a monkey warrior, mentioned in the epic Ramayana. It is believed that bathing in the Hara Teertham expiates all sins and helps attain immortality.

Holly Tank:

Hanuman Teertham is located near Badrakaliamman Temple in the Rameswaram. It is believed that the Teertham was d by Hanuman, Hanuman Teertham is believed to offer the boonof begetting children.Hanuman Teertham is about 1 km away from Ramanathaswamy temple in the western direction.

Holly Tank:

Gayathri Theertham - King Kasibar got rid of his curse.

Holly Tank:

Gaya Theertham - Gnanasuruthi Rajah attained wisdom.

Holly Tank:

Gavaya Theertham - Shelter under karpaga virutchaga Tree.

Holly Tank:

Ganga Theertham - Gnanasuruthi Rajah attained wisdom.

Holly Tank:

Gandhamadana Theertham - One will get riches and their sins will be absolved after getting rid of their penury.

Holly Tank:

The Draupadi Theertham is located just opposite BhadraKali Amman Temple, one of the renowned pilgrimage destinations of Rameswaram. is located less than 1 km from the Ramanathaswamy temple. It is believed that Draupadi d this Teertham for performing Rituals to Lord Shiva and hence it is named after Draupadi. Draupadis story has been an inspiration for various arts and classical performances. There are many books based on her life. In the Indian culture, she is extolled as one of the panchakanyas (five virgins) archetypes of female chastity whose names, when recited are believed to expiate sin.

Holly Tank:

The Dharmar Theertham is located at the Gandhamadana Parvatham of Rameswaram island, nearly 2.5 km. away from the west tower of the Ramanathaswamy temple, in the northern direction. It is believed that the Teertham was d by Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata. The Dharmar Theertham is named after Yudhishthira, also known as Dharmar, the eldest among the Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata.

Holly Tank:

Deva Teertham is located near Sri Nambunayaki Amman Temple on the way to Dhanushkodi Road. The Deva Teertham is believed to release one from all sins and help attain immortality. The Amutha Teertham which is located at the premises of Nambunayaki Amman Temple is considered to be the offshoot of this Deva Teertham. The Deva Teertham is located from the West tower of Ramanathaswamy temple in the northern direction. It is in the vicinity of other Amutha Teertham and Kodandaramar Temple.

Holly Tank:

Chandra Theertham - One will get the knowledge of the past present and the future and reach the worlds they want.

Holly Tank:

Brahma Teertham is spread across an extensive area of 15.14 ha. and is the largest freshwater Teertham. A stepped tank has been constructed on a portion of Brahma Teertham. It is known as Sirutharavai Brahma Kundam. Brahma Teertham is believed to be d by Lord Rama.

Holly Tank:

Brahmahathin Vimochana Theertham - Brahmahathi was absolved of his sins.

Holly Tank:

The Bhima Teertham is located at Sambai of Rameswaram. It is approximately 2.7 km. from the west tower of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple. The Bhima Teertham is a part of the Pandava group of Teerthams that exist on the island of Rameswaram In the Indian epic Mahabharata, Bhima is the second among the five Pandavas. Bhima was born when Vayu, the wind god, granted a son to Kunti and Pandu. It is believed that Bhima d this Teertham for performing rituals to Lord Shiva.

Holly Tank:

The Arjuna Theertham is Located in the Sambai area It is 2.7 km from the west tower of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple. The Arjuna Teertham is adjacent to the Bhima Theertham. Arjuna Teertham has been named after Arjuna, the third among the Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata. It is believed that Arjuna d this Teertham for performing rituals to Lord Shiva. It is a part of the Pandava group of Teerthams that exist the Rameswaram island. The Pandava group of Teerthams consists of Dharmar, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva, and Draupadi Teerthams.

Holly Tank:

The Angada Teertham is an open well, located on the way to Gandhamadana Parvatham. It is located 1.6 km from the west tower of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple. Jhambavan and Vaali Teerthams are in the vicinity of the Angada Teertham. The Theertham is believed to be d and worshipped by Angada, a monkey warrior. He was the son of Vaali, a powerful monkey king of Kishkinda. After Rama killed Vaali, Angada joined Ramas forces on the mission of rescuing Mother Sita from the captivity of Ravana. A legend says that no one, including mighty Ravana and his son Indrajit, could move Angadas legs.

Holly Tank:

Amutha Teertham is a temple well on the premises of Sri Nambunayaki Amman Temple, a popular destination in Rameswaram. It is believed by the devotees that the water from the Amutha Teertham is a remedy for incurable diseases. The water, drawn from the Teertham is used for the rituals at the Nambunayaki Amman Temple. Amutha Teertham is located within the Nambunayaki Amman temple premises at Rameswaram. It is about 4 km. away from the West tower of Ramanathaswamy temple, in the northern direction. Nambunayaki Amman Temple is one of the popular pilgrimage destinations of Rameswaram. The Deva Teertham is very close to the Amutha Teertham. Other Teerthams such as Jata Teertham, Sarvaroga Nivarana Teertham, and Jatayu Teertham are also in the vicinity of the Amutha Teertham.

Holly Tank:

Agastya Theertham is a tank near Agni theertham. it is a part of the Agastya Temple. it is a very popular Theertham and regular rituals are held in this small temple. According to Indian mythology, this Theertham was d by sage Agastya. The sage appears in numerous literature including the Ramayana.

Subshrines Details

ARULMIGU SETHUMATHAVAR SANNATHI:

The shrine is located behind the Ramanathaswamy shrine in between the second and third corridor. A Pandya king named Punyanadi who ruled Madurai came as a pilgrim to Sethu and stayed at Gandhamanaparvatham and worshiped the Sri Rama Lingam and performed a yaga to appease Lord Vishnu. Wishing to test his devotion, Vishnu sent Maha Lakshmi as a girl to the Pandya king. The Pandya king also brought up the child. One day Lord Vishnu came as an old brahmin and grabbed the princesss hand and pulled her. The servant maids went and told the king and the king chained the former brahmin and imprisoned him inside the Rameswaram temple. That night in the Pandya kings dream the old Brahmin appeared as Vishnu and his adopted daughter as Lakshmi. The next morning he took the princess and went to the Rameswaram temple and saw that Lord Vishnu was chained there. Lord Vishnu appeared before the king and as a sign of his love and devotion blessed the king to remain there always with Goddess Lakshmi in the name of Sethu Madhavar with a chain on his feet. The above idol is made of marble stone. Rameswaram is a great pilgrimage site not only for Shaivites but also for Vaishnavites.

ARULMIGU SUBRAMANIYAR SANNATHI:

In this shrine Subramaniyar is associated with his consorts Valli and Deivanai

ARULMIGU MAHA GANAPATHI SANNATHI:

In this shrine Mahaganapathy is associated with his consort Sidhi and Budhi. Always Kala Poojas will begin from this shirne.

ARULMIGU VISALAKSHI AMMAN SANNATHI:

This shrine is dedicated to Visalakshi Ambal consort of Viswanathar. Pujas to this deity also take precedence along with that of Viswanathar

ARULMIGU VISWANATHAR SANNATHI:

This Sivalinga was brought by Hanuman and is just to the north of the Ramanathaswamy shrine. Daily Poojas of this temple starts from this shrine only.

ARULMIGU RAMANATHASWAMY SANNATHI:

This is the Sanctum Sanctorum of Lord Ramanathaswamy and contains the Lingam prepared by Sita and consecrated by Lord Rama. In the front mandapam of the shrine there are Agasthiya Lingam and Gandhamana Lingam.

ARULMIGU PARVATHAVARTHINI AMMAN SANNATHI:

Ramanathaswamy&amprsquos consort Parvathavarthini shrine is located in the right side of Ramanathaswamy shrine.The temple is considered most magnificent as the devi shrine is to the right side of Swami shrine as it is in Madurai, Meenakshi Amman Temple. There is a Sri Chakra in the Artha mandapam of the ambal shrine which is worth seeing and worshipping.

ARULMIGU NATARAJAR SANNATHI:

The Natarajar shrine is located in the north eastern corner of the world famous third Corridor. The Sudhai idol of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi are installed within this sannadhi praharam. The Jeeva Samadhi of Patanjali Maharishi is behind the Natarajar shrineThe idol of Natarajar in this temple is so large that it is nowhere to be seen.

ARULMIGU ANJANEYAR SANNATHI:

At the main eastern entrance in to the temple, on the right side is Anjeneya shrine facing south. The second Lingam brought by Anjeneya from Mount Kailas is kept in the corridor of the shrine.

Temple Services

Annadhanam:

An innovative initiative of the Honourable Chief Minister, Thirukoil Annadhanam Scheme, which feeds the devotees who throng this temple, during the mid-day has been in vogue in this temple since the year 23-3-2002. Initially, 100 devotees per day had benefited from the year 2002, subsequently the number had increased to 250 in the year 2017 . It costs Rs.35/- to feed a person a day and a cumulative of Rs.8750/- is fixed to feed 700 devotees a day at present. Anyone who wishes to donate food for 700 devotees in a particular day may pay Rs.8750/- in the temple and 250 devotees would be supplied with meal as per his wish by the temple. The meal comprises traditional South Indian dishes such as boiled rice, sambar, kootu, poriyal, rasam, buttermilk, waffles and pickles. A sweet culinary called Paayasam would be added on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The food is prepared in the kitchen located inside the temple in a Hygienic manner and food is served in a hall where 140 devotees can eat at once. Now the scheme is expanded in a way to provide food to the devotees all along the day starting from 8 A.M. in the morning to 8 P.M. in the night as per the announcement made by the Honourable Minister on the floor of the Legislative Assembly. Honourable Chief Minister of Tamilnadu inaugurated the expanded scheme on 31.12.2022 A state of art kitchen with amenities such as modern boilers and freezer chamber are used to make this endeavour success. Anyone who wishes to take part in this scheme may donate Rs.2000000which would be deposited as Fixed deposit and from the interest accrued out of this investment would be expended to feed 3000 devotees in a particular day earmarked by the donor every year. Anyone wishes to take part in the scheme in a single day may donate Rs.1,40,000/- to feed 1500 to 3000 devotees a day. Donations may be sent to the administrator of the annadhanam scheme fund (Deputy Commissioner / Executive Officer) Arulmigu Ramanthaswamy Temple by drawing Cheque or Demand Draft and ANNATHANAM acc no of 492635495.

Tank Information

SETHUMATHAVAR THEERTHAM:

The Tank at the third corridor One will get Lakshmi`s blessings and purification of heart

Historical Information

Padal Pettrathu:

Saiva Nayanmars

Sthala Virutcham:

VILVAM

Vimana Type:

Anandha Vimanam

Sanctorum Shape:

Square Shape

Century belongs to:

10th Century

King`s Period:

Maratha King Shivaji

Heritage Temple:

Yes

Legends Beliefs

Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, prayed to Shiva here to absolve any sins committed during his war against Ravana. According to the Puranas, Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, installed and worshipped the lingam here to expiate the sin of Brahmahatya incurred while killing Ravana.Rama directed Hanuman to bring the lingam from the Himalayas. Since it took longer, Sita built a lingam made of sand from the nearby seashore, believed to be the one in the sanctum. Another version states that Rama installed the lingam before constructing the bridge to Lanka.
Deities and Sub Deities

The primary deity of the temple is Ramanathaswamy (Shiva) in the form of a lingam. There are two lingams inside the sanctum: one built by Rama from sand, called the Ramalingam, and the one brought by Hanuman from Kailash, called the Vishvalingam. Rama instructed that the Vishvalingam be worshipped first, a tradition that continues today.There are separate shrines for Ramanathaswamy and his consort goddess Parvathavardhini, separated by a corridor. Other shrines include those for Vishalakshi, the utsava images, sayanagriha, Vishnu, and Ganesha. The samadhi of Yogi Patanjali is also said to be at this temple.
Offerings

Devotees offer various items such as flowers, fruits, and coconuts to the deities. Special rituals and abhishekams (ritual bathing of the deity) are performed regularly. Pilgrims also take a holy dip in the 22 theerthams (sacred water bodies) within the temple premises, which is considered equivalent to penance.
Architecture

The temple features Dravidian architecture with a high compound wall on all four sides. The temple has striking long corridors in its interior, running between huge colonnades on platforms above five feet high. The outer set of corridors is reputed to be the longest in the world, measuring about 6.9 m in height and 3850 feet in total length.The main tower or rajagopuram is 53 m tall. The temple has several halls, including Anuppu Mandapam, Sukravara Mandapam, Setupati Mandapam, Kalyana Mandapam, and Nandi Mandapam. The temple also has 22 theerthams, representing the 22 arrows of Sri Rama.
Festivals

The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including Maha Shivaratri, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other important festivals include Vasanthotsavam (Spring festival) and the 6th day festival in Adi (July–August) and Masi (February–March), conducted by the Sethupathi of Ramnad.
Religious Practices

Daily rituals include abhishekam, alankaram (decoration), naivedyam (food offering), and deepa aradhana (waving of lamps) for the deities. Devotees also perform pradakshina (circumambulation) around the sanctum and the temple corridors. Special poojas and homams (fire rituals) are conducted on auspicious days and during festivals.

FAQ's

Where is the Ramanathaswamy Temple located?

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is located in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Ramanathapuram district.

Which God is Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy?

Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Ramanathaswamy Temple?

October to April is the best time to visit due to pleasant weather. Avoid the monsoon season (July to September) as it may bring heavy rainfall.

Why is Ramanathaswamy Temple famous among tourists and devotees?

Yamuna Theertham - Gnanasuruthi Rajah attained wisdom.

How to reach Ramanathaswamy Temple from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Rameswaram Railway Station (just 1-2 km from the temple). Trains from major cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore connect directly to Rameswaram. Nearest airport: Madurai Airport (approximately 170 km away). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Rameswaram via connecting cities.