Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram

Significance

Ramanathaswamy Temple is both one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the Char Dham, the four abodes at the corners of India. It stands on Pamban Island in the Gulf of Mannar. Pilgrims traditionally bathe in the sea at Agni Theertham, then at the 22 theerthams, or holy wells, inside the temple before darshan.

History and legend

In the Ramayana tradition, Rama worshipped Shiva here after the war with Ravana. When Hanuman was delayed in bringing a linga from Kailash, Sita shaped one from sand, known as the Ramalingam. The linga Hanuman brought, the Vishwalingam, is by tradition worshipped first.

The temple grew over several centuries, with much of it built under the Sethupathi rulers of Ramanathapuram. It is known for its long pillared corridors, often described as the longest of any Hindu temple in India.

Before you go

• Carry a change of clothes if you plan to bathe at the theerthams; you will be wet for darshan.
• Arrive early in the morning to avoid the longest queues at the wells.
• Dhanushkodi, at the island’s southern tip, is a common side trip.