• Our recent visit to this sacred town was a spiritually enriching experience, filled with stunning temple architecture, rich associations, and a deep sense of devotion. Know all about the yatra.

Rameshwaram is a destination that caters to both the devout and the curious. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking spiritual solace or a traveler eager to explore ancient history and architecture, Rameshwaram has something to offer everyone.

Rameshwaram is a popular pilgrimage destination located in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a part of Pamban Island, connected to mainland India via the famous Pamban Bridge.

U can reach Rameshwaram by train (old bridge) or road. 2016.

Our recent trip to Rameshwaram was a journey through time, a confluence of tradition, architecture, and spirituality. This island town, holds a significant place in Hindu mythology, and steeped in the rich history and vibrant culture that permeates every corner.

Our journey began with a visit to the magnificent Ramanathaswamy Temple, also known as the Rameshwaram Temple, a masterpiece of architecture. The temple's towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and the famed 1,212 pillars left us awestruck. The sheer scale and artistry of the structure are a testament to the devotion and craftsmanship of the people who built it.

Illuminated Ramanathaswamy Temple. 

Nearby is Dhanushkodi, the 'ghost town' at the eastern tip of the island, believed to be the starting point of the Ram Setu, the bridge built by Sri Rama's army to reach Lanka. The remnants of the old town, ravaged by a cyclone in 1964, stand as a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of time. (album link at end)

Mythological Significance

Rameshwaram, a small island in the Gulf of Mannar, is a significant pilgrimage site in Hinduism, located off the coast of Tamil Nadu, India. Our recent visit to this sacred town was a spiritually enriching experience, filled with stunning temple architecture, rich mythological associations, and a deep sense of devotion.

Rameshwaram's significance is deeply rooted in the epic Ramayana. According to tradition, Lord Rama, the king of Ayodhya, built a bridge (known as Rama Setu) from Rameshwaram to Lanka to rescue his wife, Sita, from the clutches of the demon king Ravana. It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama offered prayers to Lord Shiva to absolve the sin of killing Ravana. 

The temple enshrines two lingams: the Ramalingam, fashioned by Sita from sand, and the Vishwalingam, brought from Kailash by Hanuman. Rama instructed that the Vishwalingam be worshipped first, a tradition that continues to this day.

Later, Rama's son, Kusha, built a temple in Rameshwaram to honor his father's vow to perform the pilgrimage. The temple was built on the site where Rama is believed to have performed his austerities, and it is said that the lingam in the temple is the same one that Rama worshiped during his stay on the island.

An Architectural Marvel

The Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, is the main attraction in Rameshwaram. This magnificent temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is renowned for its stunning architecture, which showcases the expertise of ancient Indian craftsmen.  The temple is built on a high platform and has a gopuram (tower) that is over 120 feet tall. The temple complex is surrounded by a series of concentric walls, with the innermost wall housing the sanctum sanctorum - home to the revered lingam of Lord Shiva.

The temple's gopurams, or towers, are adorned with sculptures of deities and celestial beings. The temple has several mandapams, or halls, each with its unique architectural features.

Pic is from Instagram just to give you a flavour of column design. Sorry for using without permission. No credit to author. 

The temple's long corridors, measuring over 1,200 meters, are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The gopurams (towering gateways) and mandapams (pillared halls) are equally impressive, with their ornate carvings and vibrant colors. The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a prime example of South Indian architecture, characterized by its towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and a vast network of pillared corridors, the longest corridor in India, with 1212 pillars.

The 22 Kund Bath

One of the most unique and sacred experiences in Rameshwaram is the 22 Kund bath. The 22 kunds are a series of sacred wells and tanks that are believed to have been created by Lord Rama himself. The bath is a ritualistic purification process that is said to wash away all sins and impurities. The bath is typically taken early in the morning, and devotees can take a dip in each of the 22 kunds, which are located around the temple complex.

The 22 Kund Bath is a significant ritual in Hinduism, offering a unique opportunity for devotees to purify their body and soul, invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva, and connect with the divine feminine energy of Shakti. By performing this ritual, devotees can experience spiritual growth, balance their astrological energies, and seek liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The 22 kunds are not merely water bodies; they are sacred sites imbued with divine energy. Bathing in them is an act of faith, a ritual of purification, and a way to connect with the rich mythology and spiritual heritage of Rameshwaram.

Legend has it that these kunds were created by Lord Rama himself. It is said that he used his arrows to create these wells to quench the thirst of his army after the battle with Ravana. The number 22 is also believed to represent the 22 arrows in Lord Rama's quiver.

Each kund is associated with a specific deity or virtue, and bathing in its waters is believed to invoke that particular blessing. For instance, the Mahalakshmi Theertham is associated with prosperity, while the Saraswathi Theertham is believed to enhance knowledge and wisdom.

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Could not find source. Sorry for using without permission. Author not clicked.

The 22 kunds are also associated with the 22 Shakti Peethas, which are sacred sites in Hinduism where the goddess Shakti is worshiped. The kunds are believed to be connected to these peethas, and bathing in them is thought to bring the devotee closer to the divine feminine energy of Shakti. Each of the 22 kunds is associated with a specific planet or astrological influence. By bathing in these kunds, devotees are believed to be able to balance their astrological energies and mitigate the negative effects of planetary influences.

Some devotees take a dip in the sea i.e. minutes away from temple. 

Conclusion

Rameshwaram is a place of immense spiritual significance and beauty. The temple architecture, the 22 Kund bath, and the mythological associations all come together to create a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are a devout Hindu or simply a curious traveler, Rameshwaram is a place that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul.

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To see albums of Shiv Temples

Also see albums

1. Rameshwaram Temple

2. Rameshwaram Temple 2

3. Dhanuskodi Island

4. Ramayana around Rameshwaram