Rameshwaram

The Ramnathswamy temple in Rameshwaram island in Tamil Nadu, India, is one of the sites of the Char Dham Yatra. The other 3 are Dwarka, Jagganath Puri, and Badrinath. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. It is also one of the National Pilgrim Centres. Swami Vivekananda also visited and prayed to Lord Shiva in this temple in 1897. In fact, people call it the “Varanasi “of the South and they believe that one must visit both places while visiting either of them…

Rameshwaram Ramnathaswamy Temple

“Ramnatha” means “Lord Rama “Swamy” means “Master” which literally translates to “Master of Lord Rama” referring to Lord Shiva. Rameshwaram temple story originates from when Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva before going to war with Ravana (demon) in Lanka (present-day Sri Lanka).

Rameshwaram Temple History

Although people believe that Lord Rama built this Shivlinga before going to defeat Ravana, many believe in another story. That one elaborates on how Devi Sita built this Shivlinga after Bhagwan Rama defeated Ravana. It also says when Lord Rama sent Lord Hanuman to Kailash to bring a Shivling but Hanuman ji was running late then Mata Sita decided to build one there only with Sand.

The Longest corridor in Asia

The temple also holds the record of having the longest corridor in Asia. Why it would not be, It measures almost 197 meters from East to West and 133 meters from South to North. King Muthuramalinga built this corridor in the 12th Century CE.

Inside Rameshwaram Temple

There are two lingams inside the sanctum sanctorium. One was constructed by Sita/Rama. It is made out of sand and is considered the main deity. It is known as Ramalingam. The second one was brought by Hanuman from Kailash. It is known as Vishwalingam. Rama laid down the tradition of worshipping the Vishwalingam first as it was brought down from Kailash (Mount. Kailash; the abode of Lord Shiva) by Lord Hanuman (incarnation of Lord Shiva). The tradition is followed up today. As Lord Rama built this temple, so Vaishnavas hold a great belief in this temple. But more importantly, this temple is of Lord Shiva so Shaivas also pray here with huge respect.