Rameshwaram Temple : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Rameshwaram is considered to be one of the holiest sites for Hindus in India. Nestled on the Pamban Island of Tamil Nadu, the grand temple of Rameshwaram has been attracting thousands of devotees and tourists for many centuries. Situated close to the famous Sri Lanka, the place is known for its rich and spiritual history associated with Lord Rama. This holy temple is renowned for its enormous temple towers, splendor and marvelous architecture. Here we will be discussing about some interesting facts, information and travel guide related to the holy Rameshwaram temple. So, let’s take a look and let this journey begin.

Interesting Facts About Rameshwaram Temple

1. Rameshwaram Temple is one of the holiest pilgrimage spots in India. It is believed that Hindu god Rama actually built this temple (or set of temples) when he returned from Lanka following the defeat of Ravana.

2. Legend says that three divine stones were used to build the main sanctum of the temple. The temple is hence referred to by many as the Benares of the South.

3. The legend also mentions an underground passage that leads from the Rameshwaram Temple to Sri Lanka.

4. The temple has four Gopurams, intricate carvings and various other shrines, all built in line with the traditional South Indian temple architecture.

5. The temple’s priests are said to serve Lord Rama 24 hours a day, with a special emphasis on sunrise and sunset.

6. There are 22 theerthams, or sacred springs, around the temple, which many devotees bathe in to cleanse their souls.

7. The temple organizes several grand festivals throughout the year, including the Maha Kumbhabhishekam, which are attended by thousands of devotees from across the country.

8. One of the unique features of this temple, which also makes it one of the most photographed places in India, is the long, winding stairway that leads to the Inner Sanctum of the temple.

9. This temple is also home to an interesting shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known as the Ramanathaswamy Hanuman Temple.

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History & Information About Rameshwaram Temple

The Rameshwaram temple is one of the holiest temples located in the Rameshwaram town of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams of Saivite pilgrimage in India. This temple is revered by the Hindus and is believed to have been built during the period of the Ramayana. The temple is one of the four important pilgrimage spots of Hindus, known as Char Dham.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the second as its name suggests. The Rameshwaram temple is believed to have been constructed by Lord Rama himself who prayed here for the healing of his brother, Lakshmana who was injured in the battle against Ravana. Lord Rama got the blessings of Lord Shiva in the form of a Lingam here and thus established the Rameshwaram temple.

At the Rameshwaram temple, visitors can witness the massive pillars and legendary paintings on its walls, while devotees offer prayers with sacred chants and flowers as offerings. The temple also houses a number of deities which includes Lord Shiva, Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy, Lord Vishnu, Lord Agni and Lord Ganesha.

The temple is also the site for many important rituals and ceremonies such as the Karkidakavalli festival, which is held in the Tamil month of Karkidakam. This month marks the end of the Tamil month cycle and an extravagant event known as Karkidaka Viratham is celebrated in the Rameshwaram temple to pay homage to Lord Shiva. During Karkidakavalli festival, thousands of devotees congregate to seek blessings from the Lord.

The place is also known for the Char Dham of the four amnesties i.e. Rameshwaram, Badrinath, Puri and Dwarka. The importance of this place can be seen in a saying which states that just by taking a bath in the Ganges is like a bath of all four dhams.

The Rameshwaram temple is also called the Varanasi of the South. It is a popular pilgrimage destination in India for devotees. The temple is known for its spectacular architecture and is often referred to as the ‘Southern Gateway of India’.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Rameshwaram Temple

Rameshwaram Temple, situated in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage destination in the country. This temple is considered to be a very important pilgrimage spot for Shaivites or devotees of Lord Shiva.

Here is a guide to your visit to the Rameshwaram Temple:

Getting There

Rameshwaram is well connected by air, rail, and road links from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruchirapalli, and Madurai. The nearest airport is located in Madurai, which is 130 km away from the temple town. The nearest railway station is located 40-50 km away from Rameshwaram. You can also hire a taxi from any of these cities to the temple city.

Accommodation

There are several hotels and inns in the temple town to suit different budgets. Some of the popular ones are Ramar Hotels & Resorts, Tamil Nadu Hotel, Hotel Francis Lodge, Temple Inn Hotel, Hotel G.K Residency, Hotel STG Grand, and Hotel Sri Prabha.

Food

Rameshwaram is a paradise for seafood lovers. The street-side eateries in the city serve some mouth-watering local delicacies, including mixed seafood, shrimp curry, crab curry, prawn Biryani, and much more. You can also relish variety of South Indian delicacies like idlis, dosas, vadas and many others.

Places To Visit

Apart from the famous Rameshwaram Temple, there are several other places worth exploring in the temple town. These places include Ramanathaswamy Temple, Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge, Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Gandhamadhana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi, and Adam’s Bridge.

Things To Do

Apart from exploring these places, you can also enjoy a variety of activities like boating, shopping for souvenirs in the local market, and exploring the local culture and cuisine.

So, get ready to explore the sacred sites of Rameshwaram!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Rameshwaram Temple

Q: What is the history of Rameshwaram Temple?
A: Rameshwaram Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has been mentioned in the Ramayana. According to Hindu mythology, the temple was constructed by Lord Rama for his worship after his victorious battle against Ravana in Lanka.

Q: How far is Rameshwaram Temple from major cities in India?
A: Rameshwaram Temple is situated in the town of Rameshwaram, which is approximately 630 km from Chennai, 350 km from Madurai, 195 km from Thiruchi, and 150 km from Kanniyakumari.

Q: When is the best time to visit the Rameshwaram Temple?
A: The temple is usually open all year round, but the best time to visit is during Chithirai and Aani (roughly April-May) when the float festival is held. At this time, local devotees gather around the temple for prayer and festivities.

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