About Ramanathaswamy Temple

The Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram is both one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and one of the four Char Dhams, making it uniquely doubly sacred. The presiding deity is Ramanatha (Shiva), said to have been established and worshipped by Lord Rama himself after his return from Lanka. The temple is famous for its breathtaking pillared corridors — the longest in any Hindu temple in the world at 1.2 km — and its 22 sacred theerthams (wells) inside the complex, in each of which pilgrims must bathe before the main darshan. The island location reached via the iconic Pamban Bridge (the world's first sea bridge at the time of construction) adds to the mystique.

The original lingam was reportedly established by Rama himself; a secondary lingam, Viswalingam, was brought by Hanuman from the Himalayas. The present magnificent Dravidian-style structure was built over several centuries with patronage from the Setupati kings of Ramanathapuram and the Vijayanagara empire.

Darshan & Aarti

🚌 How to reach

Last mile: Autos and cabs within Rameswaram island. Temple at town centre, 1 km from the station.

Where to stay

Estimated expense (per person)

Estimated for a short 2-day pilgrimage.

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