Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga temple history, Significance, location, nearest place

June 30, 2025

Rameshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Ramanathaswamy Temple (Rāmanātasvāmi Kōyil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva located on Rameswaram island in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, the sacred sites glorified by the Nayanars (Shaivite poet-saints), Appar, Sundarar, and Sambandar, with their songs. According to tradition, the lingam (an aniconic form of Shiva) of the Ramanathaswamy Temple was established and worshipped by Rama before he crossed the bridge called Rama Setu to the island kingdom of Lanka, identified with Sri Lanka. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The temple was expanded during the 12th century by the Pandya Dynasty, and its principal shrine’s sanctum was renovated by Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan and his successor Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan, monarchs of the Jaffna kingdom. The temple has the longest corridor among all the Hindu temples of India. It was built by King Muthuramalinga Sethupathy. The temple is considered a pilgrimage site for Shaivites, Vaishnavites, and Smartas. Ramanathaswamy Temple (Rāmanātasvāmi Kōyil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva located on Rameswaram island in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, the sacred sites glorified by the Nayanars (Shaivite poet-saints), Appar, Sundarar, and Sambandar, with their songs. According to tradition, the lingam (an aniconic form of Shiva) of the Ramanathaswamy Temple was established and worshipped by Rama before he crossed the bridge called Rama Setu to the island kingdom of Lanka, identified with Sri Lanka. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The temple was expanded during the 12th century by the Pandya Dynasty, and its principal shrine’s sanctum was renovated by Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan and his successor Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan, monarchs of the Jaffna kingdom. The temple has the longest corridor among all the Hindu temples of India. It was built by King Muthuramalinga Sethupathy. The temple is considered a pilgrimage site for Shaivites, Vaishnavites, and Smartas.

Location

The Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple is located in the town of Rameswaram, situated on the Pamban Island in the Ramanathapuram district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

This temple holds immense spiritual significance as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is also part of the Char Dham Yatra—a sacred pilgrimage in Hinduism.

Geographical Information:-

Country: India
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Ramanathapuram
Town/Island: Rameswaram (on Pamban Island)
Coordinates: Approx. 9.288° N latitude, 79.317° E longitude
Coastal Area: Bordered by the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Mannar

Temple Address (Approximate)

Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple,
East Car Street,
Rameswaram – 623526,
Ramanathapuram District,
Tamil Nadu, India

Nearby Places to Visit Around Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple

1.Agni Theertham

Distance: Just in front of the temple (walking distance)
Highlights: Sacred sea water where pilgrims take ritual baths before entering the temple.
Mythology: Lord Rama is believed to have bathed here to cleanse the sin of killing Ravana.

2. Pamban Bridge

Distance: ~12 km from the temple
Highlights: India’s first sea bridge, connecting mainland India to Rameswaram Island.
Experience: Offers panoramic views of the sea and is a marvel of engineering.

3. Dhanushkodi

Distance: ~20 km from the temple
Highlights: A ghost town destroyed in the 1964 cyclone; offers a mysterious and beautiful beach.
Mythology: Believed to be the starting point of Rama Setu (Adam’s Bridge), built by Lord Rama’s army.

4. Kothandaramaswamy Temple

Distance: ~18 km (on the way to Dhanushkodi)
Highlights: Temple dedicated to Lord Rama, where Vibhishana (Ravana’s brother) is said to have surrendered.
Surrounded by: Sea on three sides – serene and less crowded.

5.Gandhamadhana Parvatham

Distance: ~3 km from the temple
Highlights: The highest point in Rameswaram, offering a panoramic view of the island.
Mythology: Believed to have Lord Rama’s footprints on a chakra.

6. Ariyaman Beach

Distance: ~27 km (in Ramanathapuram district)
Highlights: Clean, family-friendly beach with calm waters and scenic beauty.

7. Kalam Memorial (House of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam)

Distance: ~2.5 km from the temple
Highlights: Memorial and museum dedicated to India’s former President, born in Rameswaram.
Features: Personal belongings, photos, and achievements of Dr. Kalam.

8. Sea World Aquarium

Distance: ~1 km from the temple
Highlights: Small aquarium featuring local marine life—great for kids and families.

History

12th Century CE – Initial Structure

The temple’s earliest known stone structure was likely built during the rule of the Pandya dynasty.
They are believed to have laid the foundation of the temple’s stone architecture and began constructing the inner sanctums and basic structure.

15th–17th Century – Major Expansion

Nayak Kings of Madurai (especially under Tirumalai Nayak) and Sethupathi rulers of Ramanathapuram played key roles in expanding the temple.
Notable additions:
- The Grand Corridors – including the longest temple corridor in the world (over 1,200 meters).
- Massive Gopurams (gateway towers)
- Inner shrines, mandapams (halls), and temple tanks.

18th–19th Century – Renovations

Further renovations and additions were made by Maratha rulers, local chettiar communities, and temple trusts.
Carvings, sculptures, and shrine restorations were undertaken.

20th–21st Century – Modern Restoration & Conservation

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department have taken up:
- Structural reinforcements
- Painting and restoration of murals
- Repairs to corridors and temple tanks
Facilities like lighting, sanitation, and security have been modernized for pilgrims