Ramanathaswamy Temple is a highly revered Hindu pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu. This is one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is located in a small island named Rameshwaram. Temple’s main deity is a linga, known as Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga.
Also Read: 21 Famous Shiva Temples in India
There are two lingams, one is made up of sand and the other linga is called Vishwalingam, it was brought by Lord Hanuman from Kailash. Vishwalingam is worshipped first since years; as instructed by Lord Rama. Comparing it with other temples, it has way longer corridors. The corridors have sandstone pillars and beams adorned aesthetically.
The temple looks similar to other South Indian Temples, with conical tops. Rameswaram has 64 tirthas (holy water bodies) in and around it. Taking a dip in these Tirthas is considered auspicious. 22 of these Tirthas could be found in Ramanathaswamy Temple’s premises.
Also Read: 12 Jyotirlinga Images with Name and Place
History of Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga
It is believed that the Shiva Linga placed here was installed by Lord Rama. He did so before leaving for Ravana’s kingdom to rescue his wife, Goddess Sita. Lord Rama was drinking water in the seashore when he heard a voice say “You are drinking water before worshipping me”. He stopped and attempted to make Shiva Linga.
This made Lord Shiva happy and he bestowed the power to defeat Ravana. Lord Rama insisted Lord Shiva to make this place his abode so that mankind could also have a place to praise Lord Shiva. Shiva accepted and manifested himself in the form of jyotirlinga.
Also Read: 12 Jyotirlinga in India
Best Time to visit Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga
Ramanathaswamy jyotirlinga is located in a small island named Rameshwaram. Best time to visit the temple is during winter season (October- March).
Ramanathaswamy in summer – From April till July
Summers in Rameshwaram are hot. Temperature during this season ranges between 27 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius.
Ramanathaswamy in Monsoon – From July till September
Rameswaram receives average rainfalls. There is slight humidity in the air during monsoon season. Temperature during monsoon stays between 28 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius.
Ramanathaswamy in Winter – From October till March
Winter is the best time to visit Rameswaram. The weather in winters is pleasant and enjoyable. The temperature does not dips below 20 degrees Celsius with the maximum being 30 degrees Celsius.
How to Reach Rameshwaram
Ramanathaswamy temple is a popular pilgrimage spot. It has easy connectivity with rest of the world through all major modes of transportation.
Reach By Train : nearest railway station from Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga is Rameshwaram Railway Station, at the distance of 2 km. This railway station is linked to Madurai, Trichy, Coimbatore and Chennai.
Reach By Road : Regular bus services connect the temple with Karaikudi, Chennai, Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Kanyakumari and other parts of Southern India.
Reach By Air : nearest airport from Ramanathswamy is Madurai Airport, at a distance of 167 km. The airport is connected to different cities of India like Calicut, Mumbai and Madras.
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