Ramanathaswamy Temple - An Eminent Destination of Shiva Worshippers

One of the most popular and magnificent Hindu temples established in South India and is enlisted among a few of the most sought Shiva shrines in India where devotees from all around the world flock to seek the blessings of the deity. Nestled beautifully on the Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu, Ramanathaswamy Temple is believed to be one of those Hindu pilgrimages that almost every Hindu devotee wishes to visit at least once in their lifetime. The pristine beauty of the glimmering beaches and the wonderful architecture of this religious site leave you spellbound with an absolute sense of wonder. Besides exploring this hugely Shiva temple in Rameshwaram, a traveler can also witness the incredible glory and charm of the Pamban Bridge.

This beautiful city is encircled by water from all four sides and creates a perfect setting to click some amazing pictures for your travel frames.

History and Legends Associated with Ramanathswamy Temple

Rameswaram is the city that was under the rule of various dynasties including the Chola Kingdom (1012 to 1040 CE), Pandya Kingdom (1253 - 1268 CE), Jaffna Kingdom (1153-1168 CE), Pandya Kingdom, Vijayanagara Kingdom (Madurai Nayaks 13th-17th centuries), Sethupathis (assigned by Madurai Nayak’s to rule Ramanathapuram).

According to historical evidence, the states have various types of pearls (white, brown, and black), and conches (mainly the Right-hand conch) are exported to different countries like Rome, Arabia, China, Egypt, Sumeria, etc. during the period of Chola and Pandya kingdom. The city acts as an important harbor at that time. However, Pandyas and Cholas established huge kingdoms and showed their contribution in establishing several temples in their reigns but their contribution in constructing this wonderful temple is very little.

Legends

It is believed that Lord Rama (the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu) was burdened with the guilt of killing Ravana during his war against him. He was so burdened with this pain and prayed to Lord Shiva to absolve his sin and for this, he wished to establish a huge lingam to pay his offerings to Shiva, the supreme deity of Hindus.

Must Visit Places in And Around Ramanathswamy Temple

Being located on the wonderful coastal city of Tamil Nadu, Rameswaram is studded with a plethora of tourist attractions where travelers from all across the world flock to spend an amazing holiday with family, friends, or your soul mate.

Ramanathaswamy Temple: One of the most significant and gorgeous Jyotirlingas in India, Ramanathaswamy Temple is a sacred place of worship for Shiva worshippers. Likewise, other shrines established in South India, this huge Shiva shrine is constructed in the traditional South Indian style architecture with a huge tower and a high compound hall and is so enlisted amongst must-visit travel sites in the city.

Visiting Days and Time: Throughout the week between 5 am and 12 pm and then 6 to 8:45 pm. However, the best time to visit the shrine is if you don’t want to face the crowd then reach there by 11 am.

Pamban Bridge: One of the most impressive and striking sites to explore in Rameswaram happens to be the gorgeous Pamban Bridge. This huge bridge is counted as one of the finest examples of an absolute engineering marvel that inspires architecture admirers and leaves travelers amazed and spellbound. Being surrounded by glimmering islands and azure seascapes the destination looks immensely beautiful and awe-inspiring hence, if you are a nature lover then you must explore this travel place in the city.

Dhanushkodi Beach: Dhanuskodi Beach happens to be one of the most sought travel destinations in South India, especially for those who are looking for an offbeat destination. With its enriching natural abundance, Dhanuskodi Beach looks admiring with its azure waters of the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean merge here and are suggested to be an absolute treat to the traveler’s eyes. However, it may feel disheartened if you are excited to get indulged in swimming at this beach as it is not safe for swimming.

APJ Abdul Kalam House: One of the most interesting places to visit in the city is APJ Abdul Kalam House where the missile man of our country or the former president and a great scientist of India had spent several years of his life. This residing place of Mr. Kalam has now been transformed into a beautiful museum that houses several pictures of this great personality. Apart from checking out his pictures, one can also discover several other items used by him and are displayed in a well-arranged manner. If you are his true admirer and want to keep some of his memories with you then you can visit the store located on the top floor of this building and can buy the souvenirs. It can be concluded in simple words that if you are keen to get a glimpse of the life of this extraordinary personality then you must add this museum to your bucket list of destinations.

Ram Setu/Adam Bridge: One must have heard of the stone bridge constructed by Hanuman Sena to reach Lanka and to hold war against Ravana who had captured Goddess Sita. Also called as Adam’s Bridge, this ancient architecture happens to have been constructed with a chain of limestone shoals that connects the gorgeous Pamban Island in India with beautiful Munnar in Sri Lanka. Apart from holding mythological significance, geological evidence also suggests that this bridge connected the above-mentioned countries during ancient times.

Best Time to Visit Ramananthaswamy Temple

Although the pilgrimage can be flocked throughout the year yet the most recommended time to explore this wonderful city in Tamil Nadu is during the winter season i.e. between October and March as the temperature is at its best in these months. It is always best to explore the wonders of this city when the temperature is at a normal level and the weather is favorable and pleasant.

Rameswaram in Summer: The city witnesses the summer season between the months of March and continues till mid-June. Also, it is a bit uncomfortable to get indulged in outdoor activities on sunny days that are clubbed with intense humidity where the temperature ranges between 35 degree Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius and even sometimes it crosses 40.

In Monsoon: Monsoon months start from mid-June and continue till September when the region receives moderate to heavy rainfall. However, the city looks wonderful in these months yet if you are not adventurous enough then for you exploring the city can be a bit cumbersome owing to rainfall. So, make yourself brave and enjoy your holidays in this wonderful land.

In Winter: Rameswaram experiences winter months between October end and early March which is probably the best time to visit. The temperature of the city generally lies between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius in these months and this factor makes it the most preferred time to complete your religious tour to Rameswaram.

How to Reach Ramanathaswamy Temple?

Rameswaram is the city established on Pamban Island and is enlisted among some immensely sacred pilgrimages in the country where tourists from all around the globe flock to seek the blessings of the deities.

By Airways: Madurai Airport is the nearest airport to Rameswaram which is established at a distance of almost 149 km away from the city. Also, at a distance of almost 142 km, Tuticorin Airport is another medium of reaching this religious city by airways.

By Railways: The city has its own railway station hence one can board a train from their city to Rameshwaram Railway Station where trains from different cities of the country come and the best thing is that you can select amongst mail, express, and superfast trains as per your budget.

By Roadways: The roads of the city are properly maintained and are well connected to several other cities of the country and there are innumerable bus services operated by the local transport association. Also, if you are planning to explore this city by your private vehicle then go ahead with your plan but only if you are coming from a nearby place, or else it would be very tiring and time-consuming.

Major Attraction of The Trip

Take a holy bath in 21 wells that are established inside the Ramanathaswamy Temple and then move towards the sea shore opposite the shrine and then take a holy bath there and finally dress up and then head towards the shrine to seek the blessings of the deity.

Accommodation in Rameswaram

One doesn’t need to bother about their stay when they are in Rameswaram, as there are multiple hotels and resorts, established there and it all depends upon your budget and interest that what place you opt for your stay. Check out some of the well-designed Tamil Nadu Tour Packages to get a better idea of accommodation and to enjoy your holiday to the utmost level.

We have compiled each sort of information that one needs to accomplish their dream of visiting this magnificent pilgrimage in South India. If you like this post and feel satisfied with the information stated in this content then do like and share it with your family and friends. We would also love to hear your response and feedback about this travel guide so write down your thoughts in the comment box given below.