About Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
A Dravidian sea-side Shiva temple on Pamban Island with the longest temple corridor in the world (1,212 metres, 1,212 pillars) — one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, one of the four Char Dhams, and the spot where, in the Ramayana, Rama worshipped Shiva before crossing to Lanka.
History
The Ramayana describes Rama installing a Shiva lingam here after returning from Lanka, to expiate the sin of killing the Brahmin Ravana — Sita is said to have hastily sculpted the lingam from beach sand when Hanuman failed to return in time from Kailash with a 'proper' idol. Both lingams remain in the sanctum today; Rama decreed that Hanuman's Kailash lingam should be worshipped first. The present temple dates to the 12th century under the Pandyas, was expanded by the Nayaks in the 16th, and was finally completed in the 17th century by the Sethupathi kings of Ramanathapuram — whose descendants still hold the temple's hereditary trusteeship. The 1,212-metre outer corridor (Perumal Kovil Pradakshinam) took 350 years to build in segments, each pillar carved from a different quarry, making it the longest temple corridor on earth.
Best Time to Visit
October to April
Travel Tips
- Bathe in the 22 sacred theerthams (wells) inside the temple before darshan — ₹25 per person, takes 45 minutes
- Dress code strictly enforced: dhoti and bare chest for men, saree or salwar for women
- Pamban Bridge train ride at sunset — India's longest sea bridge, 2 km, 12 minutes
- Dhanushkodi ghost town (18 km) — hire a jeep from Rameswaram bus stand (₹1,500 round-trip)
Famous Food in Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
Temples & Heritage Sites
- Gandhamadhana Parvatham — where Rama's footprint is preserved, 3 km away
- Kothandaramaswamy Temple — 12 km, the only structure that survived the 1964 Dhanushkodi cyclone
- Adam's Bridge (Ram Setu) — visible on clear days from Dhanushkodi
How to Reach Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram is located in Tamil Nadu, India at coordinates 9.2885°N, 79.3175°E. You can reach Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram by air (nearest airport in Tamil Nadu), train, or road. Use YatraJunction's free fare calculator to compare live train, bus and flight prices, and to build an AI-powered itinerary tailored to your budget and travel dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram?
- The best time to visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram is October to April.
- What are the top travel tips for Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram?
- Bathe in the 22 sacred theerthams (wells) inside the temple before darshan — ₹25 per person, takes 45 minutes. Dress code strictly enforced: dhoti and bare chest for men, saree or salwar for women. Pamban Bridge train ride at sunset — India's longest sea bridge, 2 km, 12 minutes. Dhanushkodi ghost town (18 km) — hire a jeep from Rameswaram bus stand (₹1,500 round-trip).
- What food is famous in Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram?
- Famous dishes in Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram include: Crab roast and prawn biryani at Abdul's Kadai, near the East Gate, Appam with kadala curry at Devi Mess, Mor (buttermilk) and panagam served free at the temple prasadam counter.
