About Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga Temple – Tamil Nadu
The Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga Temple, also known as Ramanathaswamy Temple, is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and an important Char Dham pilgrimage site. Located on Rameshwaram Island in Tamil Nadu, the temple is renowned for Pitru Dosh Nivaran pujas, ancestral rituals, and Moksha ceremonies. Devotees believe that performing rituals here grants liberation to ancestors and ensures peace, prosperity, and moksha (salvation) for devotees.
The temple’s spiritual significance is deeply connected with the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here before crossing to Lanka, making this temple a sacred confluence of Vaishnavite and Shaivite traditions. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, Rameshwaram offers a serene spiritual environment for devotion and meditation.
History of the Temple
According to legends, after defeating Ravana, Lord Rama wanted to absolve himself of the sin of killing a Brahmin. He installed and worshipped a Shiva Linga here, which became the revered Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga. The temple’s history dates back to ancient times, with references in Skanda Purana and other scriptures. Over centuries, rulers of the Pandya, Chola, and Nayaka dynasties expanded and renovated the temple, making it one of the largest and most significant temples in India.
Significance of the Temple
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is considered a powerful site for Pitru Dosh Nivaran, Kaal Sarp Dosh remedies, and Moksha pujas. Devotees perform tarpan, shraddha, and ancestral rituals here, believing that these grant peace to departed souls. The temple is also significant as one of the Char Dham sites, making it essential for Hindus seeking spiritual completion. Bathing in the temple’s 22 teerthams (sacred water tanks) is believed to purify sins and prepare devotees for worship.
Architecture of the Temple
The Rameshwaram Temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. Famous for its longest corridor in the world (measuring about 1,200 meters), the temple is adorned with intricately carved pillars, towering gopurams (gateways), and detailed sculptures. The sanctum houses the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, worshipped with great devotion. The temple complex also contains shrines of Goddess Parvati and other deities, making it a vibrant center of devotion.
Temple Timings & Rituals
- Morning: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Evening: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Aarti & Rituals:
- Morning Aarti: 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM
- Pitru Tarpan & Shraddha Rituals: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Rudrabhishek & Abhishekam: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Special Rituals: Moksha puja, Pitru Dosh Nivaran, and Kaal Sarp Dosh Shanti are performed regularly.
Offerings of the Temple
Devotees offer water, milk, bilva leaves, sandal paste, flowers, and fruits to Lord Shiva. Special offerings include Rudrabhishek puja, ancestral shraddha rituals, and abhishekams with sacred waters from the teerthams. Performing seva and distributing food to Brahmins and the needy are also considered highly auspicious offerings at this temple.