Rameswaram is a major pilgrimage center in South India closely connected with Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama came to Rameswaram and worshipped shivalingam after victory of Ravana. Generally, the pilgrims ensure to visit Rameswaram and hold “abhisheka” for Sri Ramanatha on their trip to Kashi. The town is a home to several temples which reflect the customs and traditions practised during the ancient period. Some of the important temples to visit in Rameswaram are explained below:
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple
Located in the centre of the town, Ramanathaswamy Temple is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the records, the lingam of this temple was placed by Sri Rama. After the Lanka battle, Rama wanted to built a lingam to vanish the evil Ravana. This temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines in India. Most of the devotees take a holy bath (snana) in the sea and enter the temple. The temple is noted for long corridors with big sculptured pillars on both sides.
Corridors with 197 meters length from east to west and 133 meters from south to north is the longest corridor in the world. People who visit the temple would get the golden opportunity to watch the world’s largest corridor. Further, the glories of
Ramanathaswamy temple are sung in the form of hymns by Appar, Sundarar and Tirugnana Sambandar.
Hotels near Ramanathaswamy Temple
Hotel Sri SaravanaAddress: 1/9 A, South Car Street, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu 623526
Phone Number: 04573 223 367
Distance: 0.3 km from Ramanathaswamy Temple (Rameswaram)
Hotel Royal ParkAddress: Semma Madam, Ramnad Highway, Rameswaram - 623526,
Tamilnadu, South India
Phone Number: (0) 94431 59722, (0) 95004 59009
Distance: 3.5 km from Ramanathaswamy Temple (Rameswaram)
Satchi Hanuman Temple
Satchi Hanuman Temple is considered to be the most holy place in Rameswaram Island. In this temple, Hanuman shared happy news with Sri Rama about her wife Sita. People can visit the temple easily since it lies at a distance of just 3 km from the main temple.
Five-faced Hanuman Temple
About 2 km from Ramanathaswamy temple, is the famous five-faced Hanuman temple in Rameswaram. It is believed that the renowned temple has mythological evidence of Hanuman showing five faces. Here, the idols of Hanuman, Lord Rama and Sita are brought from Dhanushkodi and they are worshipped by the people. The floating stone that is used in the construction of bridge connecting India & Lanka called Sethu Banadanam is preserved in the temple.
Nambu Nayagiamman Temple
Nambu Nayagiamman Temple is situated at a distance of 8 km from the main temple on the way to Dhanushkodi. This temple was constructed by the people of Ramnad district of Rameswaram. Known for its beautiful gardens and gigantic bells, the powerful temple offers a wonderful experience for all the pilgrim visitors. The natural beauty and calm environment attracts large number of religious people.
Kothandaramaswamy Temple
One of the famous temples in Rameswaram is the Kothandaramaswamy Temple situated on the island near Bay of Bengal. It is believed that the brother of Ravana, Vibhishan joined hands with Lord Rama at this place. The temple walls are designed with wonderful paintings that reflect the story of Ramayana. Apart from this, there are number of temples visible in the areas of Dhanushkodi and Rameswaram.