Ramanathaswamy Temple
Ramanathaswamy Temple is a holy place of Hindus and is worshipped in the honour of Lord Shiva. It is putting up at Rameshwaram island which lies in the state of Tamil Nadu.It is one of the dham among the four dhams. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The establishment of the temple is connected to Ramayana and the conquest of lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. It is credence that the temple laid its foundation by Lord Rama himself. After killing the demon king, when Lord Rama came back to India he did worship to Lord Shiva to compensate the iniquity of killing the demon king Ravana. Lord Rama directed Hanuman to bring the Lingham from Kailash for offering worship to Lord Shiva, although he (Hanuman) brought the lingham but he (Hanuman) was delayed in getting it so Sita, the wife of Rama has created the lingham of sand from the sea shore and that linghams is the presiding deity of the shrine. The lingham brought by hanuman from Kailash is called Vishwalingam.
Getting There
One can reach Ramanathaswamy Temple from three modes: Road, Rail and Air. There are bus services in connection with several other cities and neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu. The journey of the temple can be carried out by railway network. The nearest airport is situated at Madhurai which are at a distance of 167 km which joins the cities like Bombay, Calicut and Madras.
Security And Some Tips
The administration of the temple has installed CCTV cameras in order to maintain security in the sanctum. The temple administration also banns mobile phones, cameras and bags for avoiding security threats. There are cloak rooms near the temple at which belongings of devotees are placed. Devotees should not carry cash and ornaments with them.
When To Visit
The best time to visit this temple is during the day. The timings of the temple are: 5 AM to 1 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM. The duration of visit is 45 minutes to 2 hours. There is no entry fee to visit this temple. Pets are not allowed to be entered into the temple.
What To See And Do
There are two linghams in the shrine, one which is made by Sita and other which is brought by Hanuman called as Vishwalingam and according to the instruction of lord Rama it is use to be worshipped first. The separation of the temples of Ramanathswamy and Goddess Vishalakshi is done by corridors.A high wall that has Gopuram (towers) on its eastern and western sides has covered up the shrine. Its northern and southern sides are enclosed by gates. The shrine’s interior is remarkable having corridors running between columns placed on platform of 5 feet high. The junction of the third corridor has taken the form of chessboard. The unique carving of individual composition is placed at the rajagopuram (the main tower’s pillar). The temple entails other sanctums like sanctums of Parvathi, Hanuman and other deities. The process of puja takes place in the shrine in the following order:
- Mani Darshan
It takes place between 4AM to 5AM (without taking bath)
- Samudra Snanam
Bath that takes place in sea
- Teerth Snanam
There are 22 wells within the temple and bath taken from these wells is Teerth Snanam. The water of these wells has medicinal properties.
- Main pooja by mean of pujari.
Where To Stay
There are many lodges and guest houses in rameshwaram to have stay. They are: Sri Palaniandavar Lodge and Devaswam Guest House etc. These are the places where yatri can take rest and can have food.
Where Else To Stay
Yatri can also have their stay at hotels near Ramanathaswamy Temple as these hotels provide luxury. These hotels are: Hotel MCM Towers, Hotel Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Royal Park, Daiwik Hotel, and Hotel Supreme etc.
Festivals
The festivals are celebrated here with great zeal of delight and entertainment. The worship of Lord Rama use to take place in the month of Aani or June and July. The month of Aadi and in Maasi celebrates two annual Bhrammotsavams. There are many other festivals which are celebrated in the temple, these are: Adi Thirukalyanam in June, Mahalaya Amavasai in September, Ramalingam Prathastai Mayand Navarathri Festival in October.
Side Trips
There are many other places to visit near Ramanathaswamy Temple. These places are: Agnitheertham, RAM SETU, Gandhamdhana Parvatham, Santhiyakaper Church, Dhanushkodi Beach, Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, Dhanushkodi, Marine National Park, Kuyankudi, and Murugan Temple etc.
Travel Tips
Yatri should take a personal diary with them to trap the whole trip on to the paperas mobile phones, cameras and bags are not allowed in the temple premises. Yatri should also hire atravel guide with them so as to have the complete knowledge of the trip. They also should have the first aid.
Hence, the spirit and devotion of heart can be achieved by the journey of this temple.
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