Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple – Where Myth and Faith Come Together
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the most famous and holy places in Rameswaram. It is a very special Shiva temple and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. People from all over the world come here to pray, feel peace, and see its grand design. This temple is not just a religious place—it is full of stories, history, and wonder.
It is said that Lord Rama, from the epic Ramayana, came here after defeating the demon king Ravana. To wash away the sin of killing a Brahmin, he wanted to worship Lord Shiva. That is how this temple became so important.
A long time ago, Lord Rama asked his devotee Hanuman to bring a Shiva lingam from the Himalayas. But Hanuman took too long. So, Sita (Rama’s wife) made a lingam out of sand. Rama worshipped it. When Hanuman came back with the original lingam, Rama placed it beside the sand one. Rama then told everyone to worship Hanuman’s lingam (called Vishvalingam) first.
This is still followed today. People first pray to Vishvalingam and then to the main Ramalingam. Isn’t that beautiful? It shows love and respect.
Over the years, many kings helped build and improve this temple. The Pandyas, Sethupathis, and even rulers from Sri Lanka added to its design. That’s why it is such a huge and artistic place today.
Before entering the temple, many people take a dip in the Agni Theertham, the sea right outside the temple. Then they bathe in the 22 holy water tanks inside the temple.
Each tank is linked to a different story or god. It is believed that taking a bath in these helps remove bad karma and brings blessings.
Daily Rituals (Poojas):
Morning Pooja: Starts as early as 5:00 AM
Midday Pooja: Around 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening Pooja: From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
These poojas include offering flowers, lighting lamps, and chanting prayers. Being part of this feels peaceful and divine.
Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Dress Code: Men should wear dhotis or pyjamas with shirts. Women should wear sarees or salwar kameez. Western clothes are not allowed inside.
Photography: Not allowed inside the temple
Stay Close: Hotel Sri Ashvik
If you’re visiting the temple, Hotel Sri Ashvik is one of the best places to stay. It is just a 3-minute walk from the temple. That means you can easily join the early morning or evening rituals without worrying about travel.
Why Hotel Sri Ashvik is Special:
Location: Walk to the temple in minutes
Food: Rooftop restaurant serving clean and tasty pure vegetarian meals
Comfort: Big rooms, air-conditioning, clean bathrooms, and valet parking
Hospitality: Friendly staff ready to help you anytime
Many visitors say that their trip became more peaceful because they stayed here. You can feel the temple vibe right from your room.
Final Thoughts
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is not just a place to visit. It’s a place to feel calm, connect with stories from the past, and be part of something truly divine. Whether you are a believer or just curious, this temple will leave you amazed.
And when you stay at Hotel Sri Ashvik, your journey becomes even easier and more memorable. With the temple just a few steps away, every moment becomes spiritual and peaceful.