The legend of the majestic Rameshwaram Temple dates back to Tretayuga. This holy place in Tamil Nadu brings with it the fragrance of godliness and sanctity. The cute little Rameswaram Island is supremely popular for its Ramanathaswamy Temple also known as the Rameshwaram Temple. It is believed that Lord Rama meditated here to exonerate his sin of killing Lord Ravana. Since Ravana was a Brahmin, the slaying is believed to be one of the highest forms of evil one can commit. When Lord was returning from Sri Lanka to Ayodhya, he decided to pray for forgiveness to the Lord of Lords, Shiva. In Rameshwaram, there was no statue or idol of Lord Shiva; he requested Noble Lord Hanuman to bring the holy statue from the Himalayas.

Due to the delay in Hanuman’s return, Lady Sita prepared the revered shrine of Shiva from the shore sand. Later, when Hanuman Ji arrived with Shiva Lingam from the Himalayas, it was installed in the vicinity of the shrine as well. Therefore, there are 2 lingams in the sacred temple; one built by Lady Sita entitled the Ramalingam and other brought from the Great Kailash by Lord Hanuman, called the Vishwalingam.

The blessed Rameshwaram Temple is also believed to be one of the 4 divine sites to attain Moksha. The Hindus believe in visiting the 4 Dhams namely, Badrinath, Puri, Dwarka and Rameshwaram for the attainment of eternal bliss. The pilgrim site is vastly popular as it is said that Lord Shiva will reside here till the doomsday. The legend says that Lord Rama requested the Supreme to never leave the sacred place so that the mankind can benefit from his untainted presence. People from all faiths flock here in huge numbers during the period of Maha Shivratri to pay their respects and offerings to Lord Shiva and take his blessings.

The colossal temple is spread over an enormous area of 15 acres consisting of mammoth Nandi idol, gigantic walls, lofty towers, massive gates, carved corridors and much more. The temple boasts of the world’s largest corridor in the world measuring 4000 feet in length and 4000 colored engraved pillars. The intricate work and detailing is noteworthy. Rameshwaram is known for its delicate hand art and the temple is the superlative example of it.

The numerous tales of the temple and the installation of the lingams have led to the gargantuan popularity of the Rameshwaram Temple. The tales may be many but they all coincide with the fact, that the idols were installed by Lord Vishnu’s incarnation. It has been a tradition of worshipping the Vishwalingam first and then the Ramalingam; and it continues till date. People take holy dips in the 22 sacred kunds of the temple for offering penance and washing theirs sins before reaching the 2 lingams. Believe it or not, but you can feel the lord’s presence in the air of the holy island. One has to see it to believe it that the purity and tranquility you feel here is heavenly and no other place or temple comes close to be god-like than Rameshwaram.