History:

is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in and around India also referred to as the ‘ Benares of the South ’ - with its rich history, architectural brilliance, legendary temple, lost city and tons of spiritual importance. This Hindu temple was built circa 12th century during the Chola period by the reigning monarch Raja Raja Chola I (985- 1014 AD). This temple is the southernmost temple in India dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. The temple is considered one of the holiest shrines and is considered the second most visited temple in India after the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The presiding deity is called Sri Ramanatha Swamy and is a nicely carved black granite statue. This temple is a symbol of Tamil culture and has been acclaimed by someas "an eternal tribute to the art of the great Cholas, who made this glorious temple to depict the power and glory of Shiva, Him being the all pervading lord". This temple and its importance to the Hindus in the Hindu scripture, Ramayana, and a legend that the god Rama performed the pooja for his ancestor, Lord Shiva, here after reclaiming the Hindu god Lanka. This temple complex is made up of 13000 feet of corridors, 1212 pillars, 66 feet tall gopuram and halls designed with intricate stone sculptures and beautiful paintings of Gods and Goddesses. The temple is a masterpiece of science and architecture that have baffled experts since its construction. It has contributed several new engineering marvels to India's architectural heritage. The temple is a popular tourist destination and also hosts huge festivals during the months of July and August. The temple walls depict numerous stories of the Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is believed that worshipping in this temple brings prosperity and fortune. People come here to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and get rid of their sins. In the premises, the devotees can also find a temple tank, an aquarium, and a shrine to Ganesh. Thus, it has become a prime spot of pilgrimage for the Hindus, making it both a religious and a tourism destination. It is one of the best temple in TamilNadu which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Arulmigu Ramanatha Swamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to God Shiva located on Pamban Island in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, where Shiva is worshiped in the form of a lingam. 2. The temple is considered one of the holiest Hindu Char Dham (Four Abodes) sites. The temple is located on the eastern coast of India, along the coast of the Gulf of Ramanathapuram. 3. The temple is known for its long corridor with a thousand pillars. It is believed that Lord Rama installed the lingam of Shiva in the temple with the help of Hanuman. This lingam is known as Ramalingam or Lingodhbhavamurthy. 4. The temple complex includes other shrines such as Viswanatha shrine, Sugreeva shrine, Kothanda Ramar shrine, Gangadhara shrine, Durga temple and Sita temple. There is also a Hinduistic ritual bath tank, named Ramar Pushkarani, which is believed to have been created by Rama himself. 5. The temple is known for its traditional south Indian architectural style. The outer stone walls have intricate sculptures depicting various Hindu gods and goddesses. 6. The temple is visited by hundreds of devotees during important Hindu festivals such as Mahashivratri and Makar Sankranti. During these days, the temple complex is illuminated with 'Aarti' and 'Jyotirlinga' ceremonies. Here are some facts about the TamilNadu temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in TamilNadu

Worship Method:

The worship method at the Arulmigu Ramanatha Swamy Temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu is based on the traditional Vedic rituals. According to the temple's rules, devotees must perform specific rituals and pujas at the temple in order to seek blessings from the Lord. The temple opens in the morning and closes late in the evening. Once the temple is open, devotees will need to perform a mandatory 'suprabhata pooja' (an invocation of blessing). This includes offering flowers, lighting lamps, burning incense, and chanting ancient mantras in the presence of the Lord in order to receive his blessings. The main deity at the temple is Lord Shiva, and devotees anoint themselves with holy water and beseech the Lord for his blessings. Devotees follow a complex set of rituals such as ablutions, devotion, chanting, singing of bhajans, offering of flowers, offerings of fruits, and performing yagas (fire rituals). Then offering poojas to the shiva lingam, namely abishekam (bathing the shiva lingam with ghee, honey and milk), alankaram (decoration of the shiva lingam), Archana (repeating mantras while offering flowers and lighting lamps), naivaidyam (offering of fruits, flowers and sweets), Deeparadhana (lighting of lamps), and Punar Prasadam (offering of coconut for taking blessings). Finally, the devotees get blessed by offering Artha-Dana (offering of money) by reciting divine mantras for getting Lord Shiva's blessings. The temple also provides a lot of spiritual blessings to the devotees in the form of providing mantras such as the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra (for protection), Ganapathi Mantra (for removal of obstacles), Lakshmi Mantra (for gain of wealth & knowledge), and Surya Mantra (for good health and courage). Additionally, there are various events conducted at the temple including Utsava (special festival days), Pradosha Puja, and Mahashivaratri celebrations. Several rituals such as yagnas (fire rituals), Hawans (offering offerings to the gods) and Mahabhishekams (prayer services) are also conducted at the temple from time to time. This most visited temple in TamilNadu

Opening Timing:

The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and then from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM every day. top temples in TamilNadu

How to reach:

The easiest way to reach Arulmigu Ramanatha Swamy Temple is to take a bus or a train to either Rameswaram or Ramanathapuram. From there, it is just a short drive or auto rickshaw ride to the temple. Alternatively, one can also take a taxi or private cab to directly reach the temple. famous temples in TamilNadu