About Ramanathaswamy Temple
Ramanathaswamy Temple stands on Rameswaram island in Tamil Nadu and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the four Char Dham pilgrimages. Shiva is worshipped here as Ramanathaswamy, the Lord worshipped by Rama. The temple is famous for its very long pillared corridors, among the longest in any Hindu temple, and for its 22 sacred wells (theerthams) in which pilgrims bathe before darshan. Many devotees also take a holy dip in the sea at Agni Theertham nearby.
According to the Ramayana tradition, Lord Rama wished to worship Shiva here after the war in Lanka. He sent Hanuman to bring a linga from Mount Kailash, but as Hanuman was delayed, Sita made a linga from sand, which Rama worshipped. This Ramalingam is the main deity, and the Vishwalingam brought by Hanuman is also worshipped, traditionally receiving puja first. The temple grew over many centuries, with major expansion by the Sethupathi rulers of Ramanathapuram in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The temple is built in the Dravidian style with tall gopurams and massive walls. Its outer corridor is lined with hundreds of carved granite pillars stretching into the distance, a truly memorable sight. Inside are shrines to Ramanathaswamy, Vishwalingam and Goddess Parvathavardhini, and the 22 theertham wells within the complex.
Ramanathaswamy Temple timings & aarti
Usually open about 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Times may vary on festivals; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Spatika Linga Darshan | About 5:00 AM |
| Uchikala Puja | About 12:00 PM |
| Sayaratchai Puja | About 6:00 PM |
| Palliyarai Puja | About 8:45 PM |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Ramanathaswamy Temple
By air
Madurai Airport is about 175 km away.
By train
Rameswaram Railway Station is about 2 km from the temple and is connected to the mainland over the Pamban bridge.
By road
Buses run from Madurai, Ramanathapuram and other Tamil Nadu cities over the Pamban road bridge.
Festivals at Ramanathaswamy Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- ThirukalyanamJul/Aug
- NavaratriSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional clothing is expected (dhoti or trousers for men, saree or churidar for women); carry a change of clothes for the theertham bath.
- Entry
- General darshan is free; tickets are sold for the 22 theertham bath and for special darshan.
- Start early with a dip at Agni Theertham, then the 22-well bath, then darshan.
- Carry dry clothes and a plastic bag for wet ones; changing rooms are available.
- Attend the early morning Spatika Linga darshan if you can.
- Mobile phones are generally not allowed inside; use the counters outside.
- Plan half a day for Dhanushkodi, especially the drive at sunrise or sunset.
Places to visit near Ramanathaswamy Temple
- Agni TheerthamSacred sea-bathing spot, just outside the temple
- Gandhamadhana ParvathamHillock with Rama's footprints, about 3 km away
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam MemorialMemorial to the former President, about 7 km away
- Pamban BridgeSea bridges to the mainland, about 12 km away
- DhanushkodiGhost town at the tip of the island, about 20 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Rameswaram temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
What is the 22 theertham bath at Rameswaram?
Pilgrims bathe with water drawn from 22 sacred wells inside the temple before darshan. Tickets are sold at the temple.
Is there a dress code at Ramanathaswamy Temple?
Traditional clothing is expected. Men usually wear dhoti or trousers and women a saree or churidar.
How do I reach Rameswaram from Madurai?
Rameswaram is about 175 km from Madurai by road or train, roughly four hours.
How long is the Rameswaram temple corridor?
The corridors together run for over a kilometre and are among the longest of any Hindu temple.
What is the aarti time at Ramanathaswamy Temple?
Spatika Linga Darshan: About 5:00 AM; Uchikala Puja: About 12:00 PM; Sayaratchai Puja: About 6:00 PM; Palliyarai Puja: About 8:45 PM. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
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