Rameshwaram Temple

Mar 2026
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Rameshwaram Temple History

Hindu temple in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. The temple is one of the oldest and most prestigious Indian shrines. Rameshwaram temple is one of the four holy shrines and the only Char Dham in the south of India. The temple is one of the twelve jyotirlingas in India. It also has three prominent glories. 

  • Theertham

  • Murti

  • Sthalam

The Rameshwaram temple's history is quite rich and interesting. 

  • For instance, till the 10th century A.D., the temple was taken care of by a monk. 

  • In the 12th century A.D., the Ceylon King Parakiramabaghu helped build the temple's sanctum sanctorum. 

  • With time, several other rulers and personalities like Udhayan Sethupathi, Chinnaduyan Sethupathi, Thalavai Sethupathi, and more contributed to the temple's maintenance and construction. 

 

Cultural Significance of Rameshwaram Temple

The cultural significance of the Rameshwaram Temple shivling is associated with several Hindu mythological stories. One such story is connected to the epic Ramayana. Legends say that once Ram got victory over Ravana, he arrived here as per the advice of the sage Agasthiya. Lakshman and Sita maa accompanied lord Ram here in atoning for his sin of brahmahatya by praying the shivlinga. Shri Ram sent Anjaneya to bring a Shiva lingam from Kailash. However, Anjaneya couldn't make it on time and Sita maa herself made a shivlinga of sand. When Anjaneya returned from Kailash with the Shiva linga, he was engaged to see the sand Shiva linga. To pacify the situation, Shri Ram consecrated the shivlinga of Anjaneya by Ramalinga’s side. Also, he ordered that all pujas should be first performed for Anjaneya’s shivling- Visvalingam. 

Rameshwaram Temple Location

Here are more details on the Rameshwaram temple location: 

  • It is situated on Rameshwaram island. 

  • The Rameshwaram temple jyotirlinga can be found in Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu. 

Rameshwaram Temple Timings

Planning your next pilgrimage to Rameshwaram? Well, before you do that, consider reading about the temple timings. 

 

Ritual

Temple Timings 

Temple Opening Time

4:00 A.M

Darshan for Devotees 

starts at 5:00 A.M

First Darshan

starts with Spatiga linga darshan from 5:00 A.M -6:00 A.M

Moolasthana Darshan

6:00 A.M -1:00 P.M

Closing Time 

1:00 P.M

Re-opening Time

3:00 P.M

Darshan

3:15 P.M.-8:00 P.M

Closing Time

9:00 P.M

 

Best Time to Visit Rameshwaram Temple

Here is the best time to visit the Rameshwaram temple. 

  • November to March

This is one of the best times to visit Rameshwaram. The weather is great around this time with chilly winds and temperatures not exceeding 30°C. This is also the peak season with several devotees visiting the temple. You can find budget-friendly stay options around. Also, if you visit around this time, you may get to witness local festivals.

  • March to July

The temperature ranges between 30°C-35°C with moderate rainfall around this time. 

  • August to October 

The temperature around this time is quite hot. It ranges between 25°C-40°C. This is the off-season; however, you may consider visiting to make bargains for your stay and other options around this time. 

Rameshwaram Temple Puja & Rituals

Consider taking a look at some popular pujas of the Rameshwaram temple. 

 

Pooja

Pooja Timings (IST)

Thiruvanandal Pooja 

6:00 A.M-6:15 A.M

Vilaa Pooja

7:00 A.M-7:15 A.M

Kalasandhi Pooja

10:00 A.M-10:15 A.M

Uchikkala Pooja

12:00 P.M.-12:15 P.M

Sayaraksha Pooja

6:00 P.M.-6:15 P.M

Ardhajama Pooja

8:30 P.M-8:45 P.M

 

Rameshwaram Temple-Registration Process

Rameshwaram temple now also has online booking services that ensure you no longer need to stand in queues. Instead, you may easily book online services. Here is a step-by-step guide to the Rameshwaram temple registration process. 

  • Consider visiting the official website of the Rameshwaram temple. 

  • On the home page, you may find temple booking services, click on the same. 

  • Once the new page appears, you find an option of  ‘e-services search’ in the top left corner of the page. 

  • Now choose your preferred services from the list given. Some options include bathing for 22 theerthans, Panchmitra Abhishegam, etc. 

  • Next, choose the preferred date and time slot. 

  • Check the available tickets and tap on the ‘book’ button. 

  • Next, fill in your personal details like name, age, etc. 

  • Fill in the captcha, read the terms and conditions, and tap on ‘submit’.

  • Now, complete the process by making the final payment. 

Do’s and Don'ts at Rameshwaram Temple

Do's 

Don'ts 

Consider making your bookings in advance. This includes registration, accommodation bookings, etc.  

Avoid rushing in the queues for darshana. This may lead to accidents or mishappenings. 

Respect the local customs and people. 

Avoid smoking or alcohol on the temple premises. 

Respect the dress code and dress accordingly. 

Avoid carrying a mobile phone. 

Read more about the puja rituals to make sure you don't offend anyone. 

Do not disrespect the puja rituals or other sentiments. 

Respect others’ sentiments and be understanding and patient with puja steps.

Sticks, umbrellas,  or materials made of animal skin are not allowed in the temple premises. 

 

How to Reach Rameshwaram Temple?

Here is how to reach Rameshwaram or Ramanathaswamy Temple. 

  • By Bus

Direct buses to Rameshwaram from major cities like Bangalore, Madurai, Coimbatore, Chennai, Vellore, etc with redBus. 

  • By Rail

Direct train facilities to Rameshwaram from major towns or cities in Tamil Nadu like Bangalore, Chennai, and more with redRail. 

  • By Air

The nearest airport to Rameshwaram is Madurai airport. Once you reach Madurai, you can easily reach using local buses or train facilities from there.