shaiva · Tamil Nadu
Rameswaram
रामेश्वरम्
Presiding deity: Lord Shiva (Ramanathaswamy — Lord worshipped by Rama)
Established: Per Ramayana; current structure 12th–17th century CE
Significance
One of 12 Jyotirlingas AND one of Char Dham. Has the longest temple corridor in India (1219 m). Rama installed the Shivalinga here before crossing to Lanka.
Legend
Rama, having killed Ravana (a Brahmin), needed to absolve the brahmahatya sin. He worshipped Shiva here. Hanuman went to fetch a linga from Kailash but was late — so Sita made one of sand (Ramalingam), and Hanuman's Vishwalingam was installed beside it. Both worshipped together to this day.
How to reach
Rameswaram island connected via Pamban Bridge (rail + road). Temple at island center.
Where to stay
Tamil Nadu Tourism Hotel Tamil Nadu; many private lodges within walking distance
Primary pujas performed here
- 22 Tirtha Snanam (sacred bath in 22 wells inside temple)
- Spatika Linga Darshan
- Sphatika Linga Abhishek (early morning)
What to offer: Spatika linga, bilva, sand from Dhanushkodi
Modern access
New Pamban vertical-lift bridge inaugurated 2024 (India's first). APJ Kalam memorial at Pei Karumbu (his birthplace), 4 km from temple.
Nearby tirthas
- Dhanushkodi (Rama's bow tip)
- Gandhamadhana Parvatham
- Madhava Tirtham
- Agnitheertham (sea bath)