History of Rameshwar temple

We can deduce that Rameswaram was ruled by numerous dynasties based on historical facts.

·  Kingdom of Pandya (Before the chola kingdom Rameswaram is under the rule of pandyas kingdom of Madurai till the 9th century CE)

·  Chola dynasty (1012 to 1040 CE)

·  The kingdom of Jaffna lasted from 1153 until 1186 CE.

·  Kingdom of Pandya (1253–1268 CE)

·  The Vijayanagara kingdom (Madurai Nayaks) ruled from the 13th to the 17th centuries.

·  Sethupathis (those who are delegated to rule Ramanathapuram by Madurai Nayaks)

Various types of conches (mostly the right hand conch) and pearls (white, black, brown) were traded to various countries during the pandya and chola kingdoms, including China, Arabia, Sumeria, Egypt, Rome, and others. In those days, Rameswaram served as a major harbour.

Despite the fact that the Cholas and Pandyas are powerful kingdoms who contributed to the construction of numerous temples during their reigns, their contribution to the development of the Rameswaram temple is little. As we can see, the Sethupathi rulers were key donors to the construction of Rameswaram Temple.

Architecture of Rameshwaram temple

This ancient temple is encircled on all four sides by a high compound wall (Madil Suvar) that measures 865 feet east to west and 657 feet north to south, with massive towers (Gopurams) to the east and west and finished gate towers to the north and south. The world's longest corridors, with over 4000 pillars and a total length of 4000 feet (for all four corridors), run between massive arcades on five-foot-high platforms at this shrine.

The North and South passageways are the longest, with several pillars flanking each side, carved with intricate detail by ancient builders and artisans. Originally, the temple was a thatched cottage that was tended by a Sathu or Saint. The Sethupathy kings of Ramanathapuram then repaired and reconstructed it to its current state. The majority of the modifications were completed between the 12th and 16th centuries, with the lengthy corridors being constructed in the 18th century. The chessboard-shaped intersection of the second and third corridors is known as 'Chokkatan Mandapam.'

Ramanathaswamy and his consort Goddess Parvathavardhini have two shrines separated by a passageway. Goddess Vishalakshi, Sayanagriha, Vishnu, and Ganesha each have their own shrine. Anuppu Mandapam, Sukravara Mandapam, Setupati Mandapam, Kalyana Mandapam, and Nandi Mandapam are among the temple's halls.

Mythology of Rameshwaram temple

The jyotirlingam was worshipped by Lord Rama to atone for the sin of murdering Ravana, according to legend. Hanuman travelled from Kailasa to deliver the Linga to Lord Rama for his worship. Rama worshipped the sand-made Lingam created by Sita Devi as it grew dark. Ramanathar is the name of the Lingam that Lord Rama worships. Hanuman was upset when he returned to find that his Lord had not utilised the Lingam he had brought. Lord Rama appeased Hanuman and gave the Lingam the name Kasi Viswanathar. Before worshipping Ramanathar, devotees must first worship Kasi Viswanathar. While returning to Ayodhya, Rama is said to have worshipped Shiva in the form of a Shiva Lingam made of earth by Sita. According to legend, Hanuman was tasked with delivering a picture of Viswanathar from Benares. Rama is reported to have offered homage to a Shivalingam fashioned out of dirt by Sita at a pre-determined auspicious period, anticipating Hanuman's delayed return from Benares. Ramalingam is the name of the lingam, while Rameswaram is the name of the town.

Another Shivalingam can be seen here: Viswanathar, who is supposed to have been transported here by Hanuman from Banares. Kasilingam and Hanumalingam are two names for this Shivalingam. Before praying to Ramanathaswamy, prayers are offered to Viswanathar. Rama is said to have worshipped Tilakeswarar in Devipatnam on his way to Sri Lanka. Rameswaram also has a shrine dedicated to SethuMadhava and Lakshmi. Sweta Madhava is another name for Sethu Madhava, with Sweta referring to the white stone used to create the image.

The Gandamadana parvatam is a little temple on the island that contains impressions of Rama's feet that are held in adoration.

Advantages of visiting Rameshwaram temple

The temple, being one of the country's holiest sites, has its own significance in terms of atoning for one's sins. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world visit Rameshwaram each year to take a holy dip in the main temple's temple wells, which are thousands of years old.

The spiritual energy of the location eliminates an individual's karmic repercussions and crimes. All sins committed in previous and current incarnations are forgiven by the 22 Theerthams located within the temple.

Importance of Rameshwaram temple

Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple, along with Badrinath, Dwarka, and Puri, is one of the holiest Char Dham (four divine locations). This holy sanctuary is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which represent Lord Shiva's infinite nature. The temple is frequently referred to as "Kashi of the South," indicating its importance.

It is one of the 274 Paadal Petra Sthalams where Appar, Sundarar, and Tirugnana Sambandar, three of the most revered Nayanars (Saivite saints), have worshipped the temple with their songs. The Rama Setu, the famed bridge that Lord Rama walked across to reach Sri Lanka, is said to have been erected from here.

According to the Skanda Purana, 24 Tirthas (holy water bodies) are significant. A holy bath in these Tirthas is a primary goal of the Rameshwaram pilgrimage and is regarded similar to penance. Within Ramanathaswamy Temple, there are 22 Tirthas, the first and most important of which is known as Agni Theertham (Bay of Bengal).

Best time to go Rameshwaram temple

October to February: October provides pleasant weather and is great for exploring Rameswaram's various attractions. This also marks the start of Rameswaram's main tourism season. The winter season begins in November and lasts until the end of February.