Ramanathaswamy Temple Location Courses

Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva located in the island of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, where Shiva is worshipped in the form of a pictorial lingam. The main deity is enshrined in the garbhagriha, or sanctum and the temple is also referred to as the Rameswara temple. The temple is located in the city of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu and is located at a distance of 243 km from the state capital Chennai. The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, located at a distance of around 170 km from the temple. The temple is well connected by road, rail and air to major cities and towns in the region. The temple is a monumental structure and is one of the most revered shrines of Hinduism. It is considered as one of the holiest shrines and people making pilgrimage to the four sacred shrines of India make a must visit to this temple. The temple has several shrines and many small and large temple towers built in the medieval period. One of the most prominent feature of the temple is the gopuram, which is a towering gateway decorated with multi-tiered bright sculptures of Hindu deities. The temple complex houses numerous inscriptions and sculptures of deities, constructed by various dynasties who ruled over this region. The temple was originally built by King Kulothunga Chola I in 12th and 13th centuries and was later renovated and rebuilt by various other dynasties like the Pandya, Nayak and Maratha rulers. The temple is also mentioned in Ramayana; it is the place where Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, imparted blessings to the defeated Ravana. There are several significant festivals celebrated at the temple throughout the year. One of the most popular festivals is the Maha Shivaratri, which is celebrated with much enthusiasm by devotees who come to this shrine from all parts of India. Other festivals celebrated here include the Navaratri festival, Kumbh Mela and the Panguni Uthiram. Thousands of devotees visit this temple on these days to pay homage to Lord Shiva and seek blessings.