Rāmeśvaram

Rāmanāthasvāmī, the Lord worshipped by Rāma · Pamban island, Tamil Nadu

Rāmanāthasvāmī temple stands on Pamban island off the Tamil Nadu coast. It is both a Jyotirliṅga and one of the Char Dhām, which makes it uniquely important. The temple is famous for its very long pillared corridors.

Pilgrims traditionally bathe first in the sea at Agni Tīrtham, then in the many sacred wells (tīrthams) inside the temple, before darśana. Many also visit Dhanuṣkoḍi at the island’s tip. A traditional custom is to carry Gaṅgā water to pour on the liṅga here, and to take sand from here to the Gaṅgā. October to April is the best season.

Tradition says Rāma wished to worship Śiva here after the war with Rāvaṇa. He sent Hanumān to Kailāsa for a liṅga, but as the auspicious time drew near, Sītā shaped a liṅga from sand, and Rāma worshipped it. When Hanumān returned, Rāma installed his liṅga too and declared that it should be worshipped first. Both are honoured in the temple today.

Tamil Nadu · Also a Char Dhām · Agni Tīrtham · Mahāśivarātri

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