Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple on Pamban Island in Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu) is the Southern anchor of the Bada Char Dham and one of the 12 sacred Shiva Jyotirlingas. Rameswaram holds profound sanctity in the Ramayana as the holy spot where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to seek purification after defeating Ravana in Lanka.

1. Two Sacred Jyotirlingas Inside Sanctum

Inside the inner sanctum, two Shivlings are worshipped:

  • Ramalingam: Crafted out of sand by Mata Sita while awaiting Hanuman ji's return from Mount Kailash.
  • Vishwalingam: Brought from Kailash by Lord Hanuman (worshipped first according to Lord Rama's decree).

2. The Sacred 22 Theerthams Purification Snan

Before entering the main shrine, pilgrims undergo a holy purification bath at Agni Theertham (the calm sea bay) followed by pouring water from 22 sacred wells (Theerthams) located inside the temple compound. Temple helpers pour bucket water from each numbered well (Mahalakshmi, Gayatri, Saraswati, Chakra, Koti, etc.), each possessing distinct mineral properties.

3. World's Longest Outer Temple Corridor

Ramanathaswamy Temple boasts the longest outer corridor in the world—a spectacular 1,212-meter (nearly 4,000 feet) long hallway supported by 1,215 intricate granite pillars carved with divine sculptures.

4. Excursion to Dhanushkodi & Ram Setu

  1. Dhanushkodi (Ghost Town): Located at the tip of Pamban Island where the Indian Ocean meets the Bay of Bengal (only 18 km from Sri Lanka).
  2. Ram Setu (Adam's Bridge): Submerged chain of limestone shoals built by the Vanara Sena under Lord Rama's command.
  3. Pamban Bridge: The historic sea bridge offering spectacular train and car views over the ocean.