22 Theertham Snan
Bath in the 22 sacred wells inside the temple complex, with assistance.
1 hour Video proof
Absolves all sins; mandatory part of the yatra.
₹100
Book Now
JyotirlingaVerified
Rameswaram Temple (Ramanathaswamy)
Lord Shiva (Ramanathaswamy)•Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Official Temple WebsiteTimings
Opens 4–5 AM
See full schedule below
Main Festivals
4 major
Maha Shivaratri
Dress Code
Traditional
Details below
Entry
Free
Pujas are paid
Book Puja via Darshya
Verified priests, video proof, prasad delivery to your door
Official Booking
Direct bookings coming soon for this temple
Watch Live Darshan
Real-time video stream from the sanctum
About Rameswaram Temple (Ramanathaswamy)
History
Rameswaram, on Pamban island in Tamil Nadu, holds the Ramanathaswamy temple — among the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the four Char Dhams. Legend: after killing Ravana, Lord Rama was afflicted with Brahmahatya dosha (killing a Brahmin, as Ravana was one). On advice, Rama decided to worship Shiva to cleanse the sin. Hanuman was sent to Kailash to fetch a Shiva lingam. When Hanuman was late, Sita built a lingam from sand — this is the Ramalingam (main deity). Hanuman's brought lingam is placed alongside as Vishwalingam. The temple has the longest corridor of any Hindu temple in India (over 1,200 ft), with 1,212 carved granite pillars. It is among only two sites where both Shaiva and Vaishnava pilgrims complete their yatra (the other being Kashi).
Significance
Only Jyotirlinga installed by Lord Rama himself. Completing the Char Dham (Rameswaram – Dwarka – Puri – Badrinath) includes this temple. The 22 theerthams (sacred wells) inside the temple complex are believed to absolve all sins.
About the Deity
The main deity is Ramalingam (made of sand by Sita). Adjacent is Vishwalingam (brought by Hanuman). Both are worshipped — with Vishwalingam traditionally touched first.
Pujas Offered (7)
Spathikalinga Darshan (Crystal Lingam)
Early morning 5:00–6:00 AM darshan of the crystal lingam.
30 min Video proof
Said to clear karma of this life.
₹50
Book NowRamanathaswamy Abhishek
Sand lingam abhishek with panchamrit.
90 min Video proof
Grace of Rama and Shiva combined.
₹1,500
Book NowPanchamrita Abhishek
Standard abhishek.
45 min Video proof
General wellbeing.
₹501
Book NowSahasranama Archana
1,008 names of Shiva with Bilva.
1 hour Video proof
Clears specific sankalps.
₹501
Book NowRudra Homam
Fire ritual with Rudram.
3 hours Video proof
Major dosha removal.
₹3,100
Book NowTharpanam / Shraddha for Ancestors
Ancestor rites at Agnitheertham.
2 hours Video proof
Pitru dosh nivaran — Rameswaram is famed for this.
₹1,100
Book NowFestivals & Events
- Maha ShivaratriFebruary / March
- Thirukalyanam (Ramanatha Marriage)July
- Rama NavamiMarch / April
- NavaratriSeptember / October
Plan Your Visit
How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Madurai Airport (175 km)
Nearest Railway
Rameswaram Railway Station (2 km) — connected via the iconic Pamban Bridge
By Road
NH87 from Madurai (170 km, 4 hrs). The Pamban Bridge drive is spectacular.
Where to Stay
- Hyatt Place Rameswaram
- Hotel Pearl Residency
- Daiwik Hotels Rameswaram
- Hotel Jaya International
- TNTDC Tamil Nadu Hotel
- Dharamshalas near the temple
Nearby Attractions
- Agni Theertham (sea beach adjacent)
- Dhanushkodi (30 km — Rama's land's-end)
- Pamban Bridge (iconic rail bridge)
- Five-faced Hanuman Temple
- Kothandaramaswamy Temple
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's House Museum
- Adi Jagannatha Temple (Thiruppullani)
Opening Hours
Morning
5:00 AM to 1:00 PM; Spathikalinga Darshan 5:00–6:00 AM
Afternoon
Closed 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Evening
3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Dress Code
Men: dhoti, no shirt in inner sanctum. Women: saree or salwar. Wet clothes after 22-theertham bath are acceptable.
Rules & Guidelines
- 22 theertham bath is best done first — carry extra clothes
- Men must be bare-chested in the sanctum
- No electronics inside (free cloakroom)
- Photography prohibited in all sanctum areas
- Spathikalinga Darshan requires pre-booking or early arrival
- Hire only authorised priests (Darshya priests or verified temple priests)
Pilgrim's Note
Rameswaram is unique for the 22-theertham snan inside the temple — a priest or guide will draw water from each well and pour over you in sequence. Wear clothes that can get wet, and carry a change. Complete Char Dham yatra includes this temple. Pitru-dosh nivaran is a famous ritual here.
Photo Gallery
Tips from Devotees
“Finished my Char Dham at Rameswaram. The 22 theertham snan followed by Ramalingam abhishek is unbeatable.”
KI
Krishna Iyer
Chennai
“Tharpanam for my late father — priest was compassionate and thorough. Felt real peace afterwards.”
AB
Asha Bhatt
Ahmedabad
“Drive from Madurai via Pamban Bridge is scenic. The temple corridor is breathtaking.”
SR
Sanjay Reddy
Hyderabad
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 22 theerthams?
22 sacred wells inside the temple with water from different rivers. Bathing in each is an essential ritual. A priest pulls water and pours on each devotee.
Do I need to book in advance?
For Spathikalinga Darshan (5-6 AM) — yes. Regular darshan is walk-in.
How to reach Dhanushkodi?
30 km from Rameswaram; jeeps run from Rameswaram to the last land point. Moving experience — the ghost town destroyed in 1964 cyclone.
Best time to visit?
October to March. Summer is hot and humid.
Is the temple accessible?
Mostly yes; wheelchairs available. The 22 theertham trail requires walking on wet floors.
