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Saturday, August 6, 2016

Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram

Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram 
Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to god Shiva located on Rameswaram island in the state of Tamilnadu, India. It is also one of the twelve Jyothirlinga temples, where Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlingam (English: pillar of light). It is one of the 274 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where the three of the most revered Nayanars (Saivite saints), ApparSundarar and Tirugnana Sambandar, have glorified the temple with their songs.





The temple was expanded during the 12th century by Pandya Dynasty, and their principal shrines sanctums were renovated by Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan and his successor Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan of the Jaffna kingdom. The temple has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India. The temple is considered a holy pilgrimage site for ShaivitesVaishnavites and Smarthas. It is connected to the Indian mainland at Mandapam by the Indira Gandhi Bridge.





It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has been built over the spot where Lord Rama (the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu) worshipped a Linga (the representation of Shiva) molded from sand. This temple is a symbol of the synergy that exists in the two distinct streams of worship of Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Ramanathaswamy Temple is distinguished by the largest mandapam (hall) anywhere in India.





Rameswaram is part of the rites of passage rituals that are performed by Hindus for ancestors. This is the 252nd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 8th Sthalam of Pandya Nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.





This Shivastalam is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in India. It represents the southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlingams of India and has been a time honored pilgrimage center held on par with Banaras. The island-temple town is located off of the Sethu coast of Tamilnadu (south eastern). 





This temple is associated closely with the Ramayana and Rama's victorious return from Sri Lanka. Rameswaram is an interesting temple both from the standpoint of its association with Rama and from a structural standpoint. A. huge temple in the island of Rameswaram (reached via the Pamban Bridge across the sea), Rameswaram is known for its long ornate corridors and towers and 36 Theerthams.




A Pilgrimage to Rameshwaram is among the important injunctions laid on the Hindu from time immemorial. The great temple of Sri Ramanatha is connected by tradition with Kasi. A pilgrimage to Kasi is not considered complete without a pilgrimage to Rameshwaram. In olden days groups of pilgrims, many of them quite old, walked huge distances to the two temples, taking months and years, and some failing to survive the dangers of such incredibly long journeys. 





The Rameshwaram pilgrimage has long been a tradition in South India, particularly in Tamilnadu, and has passed into folklore. Many kings of old prided themselves on having planted columns of victory in Rameshwaram – Krishna III the Rashtrakuta, in the 10th century the Hoysala, Vishnuvardhan, in the 12th century.






Legends
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History
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The Temple
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Temple Layout
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Theerthams
There are sixty four Theerthams (holy water bodies) in and around the island of RameswaramTamilnaduIndia. According to Skanda Purana, twenty-four of them are important. Bathing in these Tirthams is a major aspect of the pilgrimage to Rameswaram and is considered equivalent to penance. Twenty two of the Tirthams are within the Ramanathaswamy Temple. The number 22 indicates the 22 arrows in Rama's quiver. The first and major one is called Agni Theertham, the sea (Bay of Bengal).
Theerthams Inside Temple:
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Theerthams Outside Temple:
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Pooja Timings
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Religious Significance
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Festivals
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Accommodation Facilities
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Tips
To carry Mobile phones, IPods, Ipads, Cameras (Still, Video etc.,), Storage Devices, Suit case, Luggage Bags, matchbox, Sharp pointy objects, and Flammable materials inside the Temple premises are prohibited. Don’t wear too much of jewels and stand in the queue. Worshiping God with Wet Cloths is prohibited. Entering Temple Premises with wearing Lungi is prohibited.
Contact Details
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Connectivity
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