Rameshwaram Temple: History, Timing, Rules, Best Time to Visit, and More

Popular as the Varanasi of South Rameshwaram has Ramanathswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is a testimonial to the faith of Adi Shankaracharya in Hinduism as described in Advaita Vedanta.

It is sacred for the followers of Shiva, who worship the Jyotirlinga in Ramanathswamy Temple. Vaishnavites have deep devotion towards Rameshwaram due to their love for Lord Rama (Incarnation of Lord Vishnu).

Rameshwaram Temple Images

Where is the Rameshwaram Temple?

Rameshwaram district is located on Pamban Island located at the tip of the Indian Peninsula. The island is connected to the mainland via a Pamban bridge arising from the Pamban Channel in the Gulf of Mannar.

Pamban Island is also popular by the name of Rameshwaram Island, due to the grand temple in the Rameshwaram district.

Rameshwaram Temple History

Rameshwaram has a very glorious past. It has imprints of various rulers who contributed to the present version of the place.

Few major rulers before Rameshwaram came under the umbrella of Madras Presidency were Cholas, Jaffna Kingdom, Allaudin Khilji (Malik Kafur), Pandya Dynasty and Vijayanagar. After the rulers and kingdoms lost their validity, the British East India Company took the authority and made it a place under Madras Presidency.

Rameshwaram district is famous for the Dravidian architecture Temple devoted to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Every Hindu devotee connects with the mythological story of Ramayana associated with the temple and Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge).

The Shivlinga which is worshipped inside the temple is believed to be the idol that Lord Rama and Sita worshipped when they lived in the forest during their exile period. The temple around was constructed later on by Sethupathis of Sethukavalan. 

Rameshwaram is the place from the great Brahmin Demon Ravana abducted Sita (Wife of Rama). Lord Rama then decided to kill Ravana and get his beloved Sita back. The Monkey clan and Lord Hanuman (Monkey God) helped Lord Rama in building this bridge to reach Lanka (Sri Lanka).

Lord Hanuman with other different characters like Sugreev, Bali, and other Monkey Sena together fought against Ravana and his brothers.

Ramayana is one of the most inspiring epics in Hindu Mythology promoting the “Victory of truth & nobleness over Evil.”

Later, during British rule, the bridge was named “Adam’s bridge”.

Rameshwaram Temple Highlights

1. Ramanathswamy Temple

Inside the temple premises lies two ‘Lingam’. One, constructed by Devi Sita is a ‘Shiva Linga’, and the second is the ‘Vishwalingam’ installed by Lord Rama. The temple has around 100 pillars and many other major intricacies.

There are many other shrines that are the center of attraction for millions of devotees from all over the world over the year. The temple is most vibrant on the auspicious occasions of Ram Navami and Maha Shivratri.

2. Dhanushkodi Temple

This is the temple dedicated to the brother of Ravana, Vibhishan.  The place has been devastated many times due to cyclones and other climatic disturbances but the temple stands undamaged.

This enshrines more faith of visitors in the virtue of this temple. The devotees believe that it is the place where Vibhishan gave himself in the service of Lord Rama. Vibhishan is one of the prominent characters in the Ramayana.

He was the one who held the maximum secrets of the Ravana family. He helped Lord Rama in winning the battle.

3. Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple

This is the place where Lord Hanuman came into his real form and appeared in five dimensions. These were Lord Hanuman, Lord Adivaraha, Lord Narasimha, Lord Hayagriva, and Lord Garuda.

A floating stone used to build a temporary link between Rameshwaram and Lanka is another fascination of this place.

4. Tirtha

The entire Ramayana has many characters. To felicitate every character there are temples dedicated to major characters.

5. Kaveri and Jada Teertham

The place is very popular amongst the South Indians. The premises has a Peepal tree representing all the holy powers and Gods who helped Lord Rama winning over Evil Ravana.

6. Jatayu Tirtha

This place is dedicated to Jatayu, “The Eagle God” who helped Lord Rama in getting Devi Sita back.

7. Ram Tirtha

Worshipped by many south Indians this temple is another temple dedicated to Lord Rama.

8. Laxman Tirtha

 Laxman was the brother of Lord Rama who accompanied him in exile. He played a crucial role in fighting Ravana.

Unlike, other characters he deserved a lot more appreciation for his devotion towards Lord Rama and Devi Sita. The temple is dedicated to the worship of Laxman.

9. Agni Tirtha

The place has 22 wells having water of different tastes. It is believed that water from each well has a curative property. The purity and holiness of this place make it a worth visiting point in Rameshwaram.

Best Time to Visit Rameshwaram Temple

Rameshwaram has a tropical climate, seasons vary but temperature fluctuations are very occasional. Rameshwaram can be visited all over the year but every season has its intricacy to serve.

If you wish to see the scenic beauty of the coastal region then Monsoon (July-September) is the best time. In winter (October-December) the temperature can fall down up to 17 degrees Celsius. Winters are the best time to visit neighborhoods and sightseeing. 

Rameshwaram Temple Timings

Monday Rameshwaram Temple Timings
Morning Timing 5:00 am – 1:00 pm Evening Timing 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tuesday Rameshwaram Temple Timings
Morning Timing 5:00 am – 1:00 pm Evening Timing 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Wednesday Rameshwaram Temple Timings
Morning Timing 5:00 am – 1:00 pm Evening Timing 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday Rameshwaram Temple Timings
Morning Timing 5:00 am – 1:00 pm Evening Timing 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday Rameshwaram Temple Timings
Morning Timing 5:00 am – 1:00 pm Evening Timing 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday Rameshwaram Temple Timings
Morning Timing 5:00 am – 1:00 pm Evening Timing 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sunday Rameshwaram Temple Timings
Morning Timing 5:00 am – 1:00 pm Evening Timing 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Rameshwaram Temperature

Rameshwaram Temple Rules

There are not any specific rules for Rameshwaram temple but still, it is a religious place so you should take care of this point.

1. Always wear a decent outfit whenever you are planning to visit a temple
2. Always take care of your luggage
3. Try to avoid when the crowd is high like on Amavasya, full moon.

How to Reach Rameshwaram Temple?

By Road: Visitors from the southern parts of the country can take bus, taxi or car services. The bus route is via Places like Nagpur, Hyderabad, Madurai, etc.

By Train: Travellers from Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, and Thanjavur can take the train to Mandapam Station located 2kms away from the temple.

By Air: Chennai airport is the option for international travelers. Domestic travelers can take Madurai as an option. From the airport direct taxis are available to reach the temple.

Detailed Rameshwaram Temple Itinerary

Day 1

Reach a hotel in Madurai. Begin the Madurai city tour by visiting the Goddess at Sri Meenakshi Temple. Enjoy and admire the beautiful rock-cut architecture in Thiruparankundram.

Pray to Lord Murugan in this 6th-century temple. Do sightseeing tours to Kallazhagar Temple, Alagar Koyil village, Koodal Azhagar Temple, and Pazhamudircholai Temple. Arrive at the hotel, rest, and eat a delicious meal (South Indian taste)

Day 2

Finish the morning routine and start driving from Madurai to Rameshwaram. In Rameshwaram start your tour with the Rameshwaram temple. Visit the first grand sea bridge iconic Pamban Bridge.

Visit all the destinations mentioned in the previous section one by one. At the end of the day finish your peaceful day with Satvik meal and stay in Rameshwaram for a night.

Day 3

Take an east coast trip to Kanyakumari. Watch the sunrise and sunset view over the ocean. Enjoy nature at your own pace. Stay overnight in Kanyakumari.

Day 4

Continue your stay in Kanyakumari for another day. Visit some must-watch destinations here.

These are a few must-visit lists of places that shall give you ample opportunity to click beautiful pictures. Visit Devi Kanyakumari Temple to seek blessings. Board a ferry ride to Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Drive to Suchindram town. Click pictures with the 133-foot-tall sculpture of the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.

Day 5

Drive back from Kanyakumari to Trivandrum. If you have time then scroll down the Trivandrum bazaar to buy little gifts for loved ones back home.

Catch a flight/train from Trivandrum and reach home with a beautiful bag of Rameshwaram trip memories.

Rameshwaram Temple Video

Final Thoughts for Rameshwaram Temple

Every place has its own story, and Rameshwaram is no different. Temples in nature’s heaven will surely linger within your soul. If you are someone who is interested in exploring the locations of the mythological stories then Rameshwaram is the perfect destination.

Rameshwaram has culture, mythology, and British-era grandeur all on one platter. To relish every bit you need to visit Rameshwaram and explore different places and meet people who can probably solve your mythological riddles.

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