Ramanatha Swamy Temple

Ramanatha Swamy Temple

Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, India

Temple History

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on Rameshwaram island in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and also one of the Char Dhams, making it doubly sacred. According to legend, Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here to absolve himself of the sin of killing Ravana (Brahma-hatya dosha). The temple's current structure was built during the 12th century by Pandya Dynasty, with significant expansions made during the 17th century. The temple is renowned for having the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India, with magnificent pillars adorned with exquisite carvings. The temple is also famous for its 22 theerthams (holy water bodies) within its complex.

Darshan & Pooja Timings

Darshan Hours

Morning: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Evening: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Special Darshan: Available with tickets

Pooja Schedule

Ushatkalam Pooja: 5:00 AM

Kalasandhi Pooja: 6:00 AM

Uchikalam Pooja: 12:00 PM

Sayarakshai Pooja: 5:00 PM

Ardha Jamam Pooja: 8:00 PM

Palliarai Pooja: 9:00 PM

22 Sacred Theerthams

The temple is famous for its 22 holy water bodies (theerthams) where pilgrims take ritual baths:

  • Agni Theertham - The sea near the temple
  • Hanuman Theertham
  • Sugreevar Theertham
  • Lakshman Theertham
  • Rama Theertham
  • Sita Theertham
  • And 16 more sacred water bodies...

How to Reach

By Train

Rameshwaram Railway Station (2 KM)

Well connected to Chennai, Madurai & major cities

By Air

Madurai Airport (175 KM)

Regular flights from major cities

By Road

Regular buses from Madurai (175 KM)

Connected via Pamban Bridge

Major Festivals

  • Thai Amavasya (January/February) - Grand celebrations
  • Maha Shivaratri (February/March)
  • Aadi Amavasya (July/August)
  • Avani Moolam (August/September)
  • Margazhi Festival (December/January)
  • Float Festival (Thai month)

Architectural Highlights

  • World's longest temple corridor (3,850 feet)
  • 1,212 massive granite pillars
  • Stunning Dravidian architecture
  • Four magnificent tower gates (gopurams)
  • Beautiful paintings on ceilings
  • Intricate sculptural work

Nearby Sacred Places

  • Dhanushkodi Temple - 18 KM
  • Gandhamadana Parvatham - 3 KM
  • Kothandaramaswamy Temple - 12 KM
  • Pamban Bridge - Historic railway bridge
  • Five-faced Hanuman Temple
  • Villoondi Theertham

Temple Guidelines

  • Dress Code: Traditional attire recommended
  • Photography is not allowed inside temple
  • Mobile phones to be kept in lockers
  • Special prayers need advance booking
  • Theertham bath timings vary seasonally