Exploring the Sacred Heritage: Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram

Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy temple is one of the most important places in hindu holy pilgrimage sites. As it is one of the Chardham and also a part of Twelve Jyotirlinga. This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and located in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. This place is also a blend of amazing architecture, rich history and deep spirituality.

Table of Contents

1. Grand pilgrimage site of South India
2. History of Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple
3. Benefits of visiting Arulmigu Temple
4. Stairs to salvation
5. Rules for entry into Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple
6. Tourist places near Arulmigu Temple
7. Darshan time

Grand Pilgrimage Site of South India

Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple is a grand pilgrimage centre of South India. This is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This temple is not only known for its religious importance but also for its grand architecture and serene environment.
Here Lord Shiva is worshipped by the name of "Ramanathaswamy". The temple was built by the Chola kings in the 12th century. The temple is spread over 1500 acres and has numerous pavilions, pillars and intricate sculptures. This temple is also known for its architectural brilliance and spiritual significance, the granite which was used in making the temple was brought from another island.
Apart from Lord Shiva, there are also idols of Lord Ram, Hanuman, Ganesha and other deities. There are also many ponds in the temple, bathing in which is considered sacred. This temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and lakhs of devotees visit it every year from around the world.

History of Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple

According to hindu stories, after defeating Ravana, Lord Rama made Ravana's brother Vibhishana the king of Lanka.Murduring Brahmin, is considered a big sin in Hindu religion. Ravana was a Brahmin. So, Lord Rama decided to establish a Shivalinga to absolve his sin of ‘Brahma hatya’. Lord Rama sent Hanuman to Lanka to bring Shivalinga. As Hanuman was late, meantime Ram himself made Shivalinga from sand and worshipped it. When Hanuman returned with the Shivalinga, Rama asked him to install it. Hanuman said that the Shivalinga installed by Ram was already present, so the Shivalinga brought by Hanuman, should be installed nearby. The Shivalinga established in Rameshwaram is known as Ramanathaswamy.
The history of Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameshwaram is more than 2000 years old. The temple was constructed in several phases. In the 12th century, the Chola kings renovated the temple. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Sethupathi kings expanded the temple. The main gopuram of the temple is 133 metres high and is the tallest gopuram in India.

Benefits of Visiting Arulmigu Temple

1. Attainment of Moksha: It is believed that by visiting this temple one attains Moksha. Moksha is said to be brought about solely by God's grace (i.e., unjustified and unearned), or by a combination of faith, good acts (works). Religions frequently highlight that death is the result of sin either physical death from separation from God or spiritual death from eternal punishment in hell.

2. Destruction of sins: Taking a bath in the ponds of this temple destroys sins. Rameswaram, in Tamil Nadu, India, contains sixty-four Tīrthas (holy water bodies) on and around it. Skanda Purana states that twenty-four of them are significant. One of the main features of the Rameswaram pilgrimage is bathing in these Tīrthas, which is comparable to penance.There are twenty-two Tīrthas in the Ramanathaswamy Temple. The 22 arrows in Rama's quiver are represented by the number 22.The first and most significant one is known as the sea, or Agni Theertham (Bay of Bengal).

3. Wishes fulfilled: It is believed that if devotees visit Sri Arulmigu Temple with full faith and devotion, their wishes get fulfilled by Lord Shiva and also get divine blessings of Lord Rama and Devi Sita. Because the Lingam was installed by them. 

4. Resolve planetary issues: If someone has adverse effects of any planet in their kundli and is facing many problems in their career life or in love life then one should visit the Arulmigu Temple and get their planetary issues resolved.

Stairs to Moksha

Arulmigu temple has 22 steps. These stairs are called "Moksha Stairs". It is believed that one attains salvation by descending these stairs and taking bath. Some facts about 22 stairs are-
1. According to Ramayana, Lord Rama installed Shivalinga in Rameshwaram after defeating Ravana. It is believed that those who climb these stairs and worship Lord Rama and Lord Shiva in the temple attain salvation.
2. The 127 stairs symbolise the 127 stages of life. Each staircase represents challenges and obstacles in a person's life. Climbing these stairs symbolises the journey to self-realisation. While climbing these stairs, devotees meditate and chant the name of God. This process helps them to purify their soul and get closer to God.

Rules for entry into Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple

Tradition: Devotees who visit Arulmigu temple should respect Indian culture and have to take off their shoes before entering any temple.
Entry fees: Unlike other temples, Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple has an entry fee. To enter the temple you have to pay an entry fee.
Photography: Photography is strictly prohibited in the temple.
Dress code: Visitors should dress modestly. It is mandatory for women to wear saree or salwar kameez in the temple which covers shoulders and legs fully. Men can wear any attire but not torn clothes. 

Tourist Places Near Arulmigu Temple

Dhanushkodi: This is the place where Lord Rama built Ram Setu to invade Lanka. Dhanushkodi is an important place on the map since it is situated where the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean converge. The town is almost eighteen kilometres away from Rameswaram. Because Dhanushkodi is situated near the southernmost point of Rameswaram Island, it is frequently referred to as the Land's End of India. Dhanushkodi is located close to Rama Setu, popularly known as Adam's Bridge. Between Pamban Island, also called Rameswaram Island, off the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu, and Mannar Island, off the northwest coast of Sri Lanka, lies a network of limestone shoals.

Rameshwaram Beach: Sangumal Beach, one of the best beaches in Rameswaram on Tamil Nadu's east coast, is the ideal destination for an exciting and fun-filled trip to the state. It's breathtaking to see the serene landscapes blend into the azure ocean. The gorgeous, sun-kissed beaches make this the perfect place for beach sports. Sunbathing is one of the most popular tourist activities at this beach. On this beach, people from all over the world may be seen sunbathing.

Agni Tirtha: One of the Tirthas of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India, is Agni Tirtham. The word “coast” refers to the coastline east of Ramanathaswamy Temple. One of the most popular places in Rameswaram to take a holy bath is this tirtham. It is believed by pilgrims that childless couples who bathe in this Tirtham and pray to Lord Shiva at the temple would be blessed with children. Here, new moon and full moon days are regarded as the most favourable times to go bathing. It is a sacred pond which is believed to never dry up.
Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple is a wonderful pilgrimage site that you should definitely visit once. This temple will mesmerise you with its grandeur, tranquillity and religious significance.

Darshan Time of Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple

Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, additionally known as the Rameshwaram Temple, is open from 5 AM to 1 PM throughout the day and from 3 PM to 9 PM in the evening for darshan. Every day of the week is an open day for this temple.