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Rameshwaram Temple
The Ramanathaswamy Temple
The famous Ramanathaswamy Temple is regarded as one of the most sacred
shrines of Hindus in India. It is an honoured pilgrimage destination, which
represents the southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlingams of India. It is considered
as holy as Banaras. This famous Hindu temple situated on the Rameshwaram island
is located off the Sethu coast of Tamil Nadu. The temple is noted for its close
association with Ramayana and the legendary victory of Rama over the demon king
Ravana.
This temple is a pious temple, keeping in mind its association with Lord Rama,
a great Hindu legend and its grand structure. This huge temple on the island of
Rameswaram can be reached via the Pamban bridge across the sea, it is famous for
its long ornate corridors, towers and remarkable 36 Theerthams.
Rameshwaram Temple - Legend Related To The Temple
According to a legend, Rama worshiped Shiva in the form of a Shiva Lingam,
while returning to Ayodhya. This lingam was made of earth by Rama's consort,
Sita. It is also said that Hanuman was sent to bring an image of Viswanathar
from Banares. Rama thought that Hanuman will be late in returning. Therefore,
Rama is said to have offered worship at a pre-chosen auspicious moment to the
Shivalingam. This lingam is referred to as Ramalingam.
The other Shivlingam brought here by Hanuman from Banaras is known as
Viswanathar . This Shivalingam is also called Kasilingam and Hanumalingam. The
Viswanathar Shivalingam is worshiped before offering prayers to Ramanathaswamy.
It is also believed that Rama worshiped Tilakeswarar at Devipatnam on the route
to Sri Lanka.
The History of The Temple
It is said that the ancient shrine was placed in a thatched hut until the
12th century. Parakrama Bahu of Sri Lanka built the first ever masonry structure
here. The Setupathy rulers of Ramanathapuram completed the rest of the temple.
Some of the temple vimaanams are similar to the Vimaanams of the Pallava period.
Much more was added to the temple between the 12th and the 16th centuries. The
long corridor (3rd prakaram) dates back only to the 18th century. The
Gandhamadhana Parvatam (hill) offers a panoramic view of the temple. Travancore,
Ramanathapuram, Mysore and Pudukkottai kingdoms provided royal patronage to this
famous Hindu temple.
The Temple Architecture
The temple is sprawled over an area of 15 acres. It has huge gopurams,
monolithic walls and a stupendous Nandi. There is a 4000 feet long pillar
corridor with over 4000 pillars, considered the longest in the world. A unique
feature about this corridor is that the rock used here is not found on the
native island, it was brought in from elsewhere in Tamilnadu across the sea. The
eastern Rajagopuram has a height of 126 feet and has nine levels whereas the
western Rajagopuram is not as tall as the eastern one. The huge image of Nandi
is about 18 feet tall and 22 feet in length.
The Gandamadana Parvatham
This hill on the Rameshwaram island, has a small shrine, consisting of
imprints of Lord Rama's feet, which is worshiped here.
Theertham(Water Springs)
There almost 36 Theerthams here out of which 22 are in the temple. The water
of these Theerthams are said to be therapeutic. A bath in these is regarded
significant. The Agni Theertham refers to the ocean while the Koti theertham is
located within the temple itself.
