Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram – Ramanathaswamy Sannadhi
The main
deity (Moolavar) of the temple, the Shiva linga installed by Lord Rama is kept
inside this shrine. It is believed that the Shiva linga is built by beach sand
by Sita (wife of lord Rama).
Vigrahas
(metal idols) of Ramanathaswamy and Ambal Parvadhavardhini (Urchavar idols
used during festivals), Ram, Sita, Lakshmana, Sugriva, Hanuman are kept
near Ramanathaswamy shrine.
These
idols are used in festival times. Ramanathaswamy shrine is built using dark
black granite stones and the vimana (roof top tower) was coated with
gold.
Statues around Ramanathaswamy Shrine:
·
Sun God Surya
with his wife
· Gandhamadhana
Lingam (It is believed that this lingam present in Rameswaram even before the
arrival of lord Ram)
·
Jyothi
Lingam (it is believed that installed by Vibhishana)
·
Statues
of 63 Nayanmars (Devotees of lord Shiva)
·
Dhakshina
Moorthi
·
Saraswathi
·
Natarajar
(There are 2 Natarajar idols present near the northeast corner to the Ramanathaswamy
shrine)
·
Siva
Durga Devi
·
Chandikeswarar
Shrine