Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple – Where Myth and Faith Come Together
The Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the most revered and sacred places in Rameswaram.
This special Shiva temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India and draws pilgrims from all over the world who come to pray, seek peace, and admire its grand architecture.
But this temple is more than just a religious site—it’s filled with rich history, stories, and a sense of wonder.
According to legend, Lord Rama, after defeating Ravana in the epic Ramayana, came to the temple to wash away the sin of killing a Brahmin. He came to worship Lord Shiva, making this temple an important symbol of faith and devotion.
A long time ago, Lord Rama asked his devotee Hanuman to bring a Shiva lingam from the Himalayas. But Hanuman took too long. So, Sita, Rama’s wife, made a lingam out of sand. Rama worshipped it, and when Hanuman finally returned with the original lingam, Rama placed it beside the sand one.
Rama then told everyone to worship Hanuman’s lingam (called Vishvalingam) first.
This tradition continues even today — people first pray to Vishvalingam and then to the main Ramalingam. Isn’t that beautiful? It reflects love and respect.
Over the years, many kings have contributed to the temple’s growth. The Pandyas, Sethupathis, and even rulers from Sri Lanka helped build and improve its design.
That’s why today, the temple stands as a grand, artistic symbol of faith and history.
Ramanathaswamy Temple is huge, covering about 15 acres! The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. One of the most amazing features is the long corridor, which is the longest temple corridor in India, with 1212 beautifully carved stone pillars.
Key Features:
🟧 Gopurams (Towers):
Tall towers at the entrance, especially the eastern one, standing at 53 meters tall!
🟧 Mandapams (Halls):
Sacred spaces where people gather, pray, and participate in temple events.
🟧 22 Theerthams:
Holy water wells within the temple, each believed to have healing powers. Devotees bathe here to purify both body and soul.
Before entering the Ramanathaswamy Temple, many visitors take a dip in Agni Theertham, the sea right outside the temple. Afterward, they bathe in the 22 holy water tanks inside the temple.
Each tank is linked to a different story or god, and it is believed that bathing here helps remove bad karma and brings blessings.
Daily Rituals (Poojas):
🟧 Morning Pooja: Starts as early as 5:00 AM
🟧 Midday Pooja: From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
🟧 Evening Pooja: Between 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
These poojas involve offering flowers, lighting lamps, and chanting prayers. Being part of these rituals feels both peaceful and divine.
Temple Timings:
5:00 AM to 1:00 PM
3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Dress Code:
Men: Dhotis or pyjamas with shirts
Women: Sarees or salwar kameez
Western clothes are not allowed inside.
Photography:
Not allowed inside the temple.
Stay Close: Hotel SS Palace
If you’re planning to visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, Hotel SS Palace is an ideal place to stay. Located just a short drive away from the temple, it offers easy access for guests to participate in early morning or evening rituals without any hassle.
Why Hotel SS Palace is Special:
✅ Location: Only a short drive from the temple, making it easy to visit.
✅ Food: Enjoy delicious, fresh pure vegetarian meals at our in-house restaurant.
✅ Comfort: Spacious rooms, air-conditioning, clean bathrooms, and valet parking for your convenience.
✅ Hospitality: Our friendly staff is always ready to assist you, ensuring a peaceful and comfortable stay.
Many visitors say their trip became even more meaningful because of the peaceful atmosphere at the hotel, where they can feel the temple’s spiritual energy right from their room.
Final Thoughts
The Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is more than just a destination. It’s a place to feel calm, connect with ancient stories, and be part of something truly divine. Whether you’re a devoted pilgrim or simply curious, this temple will leave you in awe.
And when you stay at Hotel SS Palace, your journey becomes even more meaningful. With the temple just a short drive away, every moment of your stay is filled with spirituality and peace.