Famous Temples in Rameshwaram and Nearby Spiritual Sites

[table id=184 responsive=scroll /]

Among the big list of Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu, Rameshwaram stands out for being one of the greatest pilgrimage sites. One of the char dhams in India, Rameshwaram is an island city resting in the sea between India and Sri Lanka. Situated on Pamban Island at the very tip of the Indian peninsula, this conch shaped pious city is known for the many Rameshwaram Temples, including the iconic Ramanathaswamy temple located here. Believed to be mounted by Lord Rama Himself, the shrine in this breath-taking temple has adopted a serene and spiritual aura about it. The city itself is brimming with ancient carvings, statues of the Lord and artistic sculptures and hordes of exquisite Rameshwaram Temples which attract devotees from all over the world.

Although there are many other Places to Visit in Rameshwaram including lovely beaches, a bird sanctuary, the famous Rama Setu or Adam’s Bridge and the modern day wonder of Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge erected over the sea, it is the gorgeous Rameshwaram Temples that steal the show. Flocked by Hindu pilgrims and travellers alike, these make the best of all Tourist Places in Rameshwaram.

So, let’s take a look at some of the best Rameshwaram Temples that sure deserve your serious attention.

1. Ramanathaswamy Temple

image source

An extremely popular Place to Visit in Rameshwaram, Ramanathaswamy Temple forms the most significant part of Rameshwaram Tourism. Famous for being one of the 12 revered sites of Jyotirlingas. Pilgrims visit this beautiful Rameshwaram Temples to pray to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva, established here in the form of Jyotirlinga. As described in Ramayana, it is the temple where Lord Rama along with Goddess Sita arrived at this spot to pray to Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman brought a Shiva Linga from Mt. Kailash and established it here.

However, not just as a place of devotion, but it is also admired for its superb southern style temple architecture which typically consists of Gopurams, flanked on the east and west sides, Anuppu, Nandi, Sukravara, Sethupathi and Kalyana Mandapams, along with an inimitable chessboard resembling arrangement called Chokkattan Mandapam. The most famous of its features is its third corridor which is the longest pillared corridor in the world. This has made this temple one of the top Rameshwaram Tourist Places which is visited by people from across the globe.

• Known for: Most pillared corridor, Dravidian style architecture and for being one of the 12 places of Jyotirlingas in India
• Location: Ramanathapuram, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
• Opening Hours: 5:00 am to 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm daily
• Photo Opp: The brilliant architecture and sculptures carved on its walls and pillars offer a great opportunity for photography
• Hotels in Rameshwaram Near Temple: Hyatt Place Rameswaram, TTDC Tamil Nadu Hotel, Hotel Ashoka etc.
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

2. Nambu Nayagiamman Temple

image source

Built by the inhabitants of Ramnad District of the area, to commemorate the Lord, Nambu Nayagiamman Temple dates back to 14^th Century. Located just 8 km away from the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, it is a holy site exuding peace and faith. Dedicated to Goddess Dakshina Kali, this famous Rameshwaram Temples is visited by devotees to pray for being blessed with kids and to solve their problems. A must visit a place on your Rameshwaram Darshan, it was established when two sages named Dakshina Duruvan and Pachima Duruvan were endowed with the Goddess’s divine sighting.

• Known for: Gigantic temple bells
• Location: Dhanushkodi Road, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
• Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm daily
• Hotels in Rameshwaram Near Temple: Hotel Pearl Residency, Hotel Sri Saravana etc.
• TripAdvisor Rating: 5.0

Read this: Beautiful Temples of South India

3.  Dhanushkodi Temple

image source

About 500 years old, Dhanushkodi Temple is a famous Rameswaram Temples dedicated to Lord Rama. It houses the idol of the Hindu God who is seen holding his ‘bow’ which is known as ‘kothandamin’ in the local language. This is why this well-known Tourist Place in Rameshwaram is also named as Kothandaramaswamy Temple. As the legend goes, this place is where Vibhishana the sibling of demon king Ravana pledged his alliance with Lord Rama for destroying his brother.

• Known for: Being the meeting spot of Lord Rama and Vibhishan, and for standing tall despite the disastrous storm of 1964 that washed away its complex along with Dhanushkodi itself
• Location: Dhanushkodi, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
• Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Photo Opp: Dhanushkodi is a Rameshwaram Beach that offers sufficient opportunities for photography in its ruins
• Hotels in Rameshwaram Near Temple: Hotel Vinayaga, Sriram Hotel Island Star etc. 
• TripAdvisor Rating:4.0

 4. Jada Theertham

image source

A small but significant sacred spot in the city, Jada Theertham relates the tale of Lord Rama who came to this place after killing Ravana and washed his Jata/Jada (matted hair) to purify himself for worshipping Lord Shiva. Essentially a sacred water tank surrounded by trees and with a temple nearby, it is one of the most famous religious Places to Visit in Rameshwaram.

• Known for: It is the only temple in the country where Lord Kapardisvara is worshipped.
• Location: Dhanushkodi, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
• Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Hotels in Near Rameshwaram Temple: Duwaraka Hotel Residency, Hotel Rameswaram Grand etc.
• TripAdvisor Rating:4.0

 5. Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple

image source

Located a short distance away from the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, Panchmukhi or Five Faced Hanuman Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to the Monkey God, Hanuman. Displaying the unique statue of the Lord in his five-faced avatar, this Rameswaram Temples has many stories associated with it. As per one of these, the five faces of Lord Hanuman represent five Hindu deities, viz. Hanuman, Adivaraha, Narasimha, Garuda and Hayagriva. A famous Tourist Place in Rameshwaram, it is an ancient structure known for housing the floating stones which were used to form Rama Setu.

• Known for: Being an important place as mentioned in Ramayana
• Location: Ramanathapuram District, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
• Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Photo Opp: It is prohibited to take photos here
• Hotels in Rameshwaram Near Temple: Hotel Sunrise View, Sri Palaniandavar Lodge etc. 
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0

Also read: The lights of holistic India: most sought after pilgrimage places

6. Gandhamadhana Parvatham

image source

Holding a vital spot in Indian mythology, Gandhamadhana Parvatham is the same hillock that Lord Hanuman carried on His palm to bring medicinal herbs for Lord Laxman to save his life during the epic battle of Ramayana. Located just 3 km away from the city centre, it is an extremely holy and tranquil Rameshwaram Tourist Place where a two-storied shrine of Lord Rama resides. While this Rameshwaram Temples is famous for the Lord’s foot imprints on a Chakra, the elevated location of the site is known for giving you a lovely bird’s eye view of the entire island below.

• Known for: Being an important place as mentioned in Ramayana
• Location: GP Road, Kendhamana Paruvatham, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
• Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 6:30 pm
• Photo Opp: A must Thing to Do in Rameshwaram is to capture the surreal beauty of the beautiful island city from the hilltop through your camera lens
• Hotels in Rameshwaram Near Temple:  Hotel Temple Towers, Hotel Ashoka, Hyatt Place Rameswaram etc.
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0

 7. Lakshmana Theertham

image source

Built to pay respects to Lord Lakshmana the younger brother of Lord Rama, Lakshmana Theertham is a popular Tourist Place in Rameshwaram which is also a dedicated sanctum of Lord Shiva. The temple was constructed here so as to commemorate the Hindu deities and offer them prayers. The temple indicates Lord Lakshmana’s importance in Ramayana and Lord Rama’s dynasty. You can find many lovely sculptures here including many sculptures of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, in addition to a beautiful marble statue of Lord Lakshamana. This represents the love and respect that Lord Lakshamana had for his family, especially his brother. The lovely Dravidian style architecture of the temple is a big factor in making this lovely temple a huge tourist attraction. Place in close proximity to Rama Theertham and Sita Theertham and Hanuman Theertham, it is a holy site which lies just one km away from main city temple and therefore lets you enjoy Rameshwaram Temples Accommodation easily.

• Known for: Being the honoured site for paying tributes to Lord Lakshamana.
• Location: Rameshwaram
• Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 7:00
• Photo Opp: The intricate Dravidian architecture makes for a great muse for quality photography
• Hotels in Rameshwaram Near Temple: Hotel Star Residency, Hotel Royal Park etc. are the nearby Hotels in Rameshwaram
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0

 8. Jatayu Theertham Temple

image source

Built to pay a tribute to the king of birds, Jatayu, this temple is one of the 22 theerthas in Rameshwaram. One of the finest Rameshwaram Attractions, Jatayu Theertham Temple is a memorial shrine for the mighty eagle/ Garuda who fought bravely to save Mata Sita from the clutches of the demon king Ravana and told Lord Rama about the misdeeds of the latter. Surrounded by sand dunes, this beautiful temple was constructed at the place where Jatayu finally fell and died, sacrificing his life for the noble deed. The temple premises holds a sacred pond which holds water that is known for its sweet taste.

• Known for: Peaceful environs ideal to reflect and the sacred pond with sweet tasting water
• Location: Dhanushkodi Road, Ramanathapuram, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
• Opening Hours: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm daily
• Hotels in Rameshwaram Near Temple: Hotel Vinayaga, Hotel Pearl Residency etc.
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0

 9. Thiruppullani- Adi Jagannatha Perumal Temple

image source

Thiruppulani is a tiny village, just 12 km away from Ramanathapuram district of Rameshwaram. It is renowned for Adi Jagannath Perumal Temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and forms an integral part of Rameshwaram Tourism. The east facing temple which is adorned in exquisite Dravidian style architecture is a celebrated Temples of South India which enshrines the skillfully crafted idol of Lord Vishnu, also known as Adi Jagannath. It is also the home to the idols of Goddesses Sri Devi and Bhudevi and a distinct shrine where the idol of Lord Vishnu’s consort, Goddess Padmasini is established. However, the most popular aspect of the temple is the striking idol of Lord Dharbasayana Ramar who can be seen in an elegant reclining posture.

• Known for: Being one of the 108 Divya Desam temples, Dravidian style architecture and the statue of Lord Vishnu’s avatar, Dharbasayana Ramar
• Location: Thiruppulani, Ramanathapuram district, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
• Opening Hours: 7:00 am to 12:30 pm & 3:30 to 8:30 pm
• Hotels in Rameshwaram Near Temple: Star Residency Hotel, Garish Park Hotel etc.
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0

Check out: South India: Undiscovered Southern Destinations

 10.  Villoondi Theertham

image source

Securing an important place in the Hindu epic, Ramayana, Villoondi is the place where it is said that Lord Rama dipped his bow in the seawater to quench the thirst of His consort, Goddess Sita. Villoondi Theertham is a spectacularly spiritual place which must definitely not be missed by the pilgrims visiting the various holy structures of importance in Rameshwaram temples.

• Known for: Its mention in the Ramayana
• Location: Pamban, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
• Opening Hours: 24 Hours a day
• Hotels in Rameshwaram Near Temple: Hotel Nnp Grand, Hotel Royal Park etc.
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0

 Best Time to Visit Rameshwaram

October to April (winters) and August (monsoons) are the Best Time to Visit Rameshwaram

How to Reach Rameshwaram

Since there is no Rameshwaram Airport of its own, you need to fly to Madurai (175.4 km) or Tuticorin which is the second nearest Rameshwaram Airport at 195.3 km; from where you can take a cab to the city. You can also take a train, cab or bus from cities like Trichy, Chennai, Thanjavur, Coimbatore and Madurai to reach Rameshwaram.

Where to Stay in Rameshwaram

There are many Resorts in Rameshwaram and hotels to suit every budget in and near the city. You can also find many great options for accommodation near the famous Rameshwaram Temples.

Places to Visit Near Rameshwaram

Many travel destinations like Madurai, Thanjavur, Thekkady, Chennai etc. are located near Rameshwaram, which can be easily visited along with your trip to this holy city. The tour packages of Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari are especially preferred by travellers visiting Rameshwaram. Kanyakumari is a superb destination with many great places of interest like Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Padmanabhapuram Palace etc. worth visiting. The journey from Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari is quite exciting too, which escalates the pleasure of travelling to the end of the land.

Conclusion

One of the Best Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu, Rameshwaram is a naturally affluent and spiritual site that is visited by innumerable pilgrims and tourists every year. Devotees opting for Rameshwaram Packages should make it a point to visit these temples to truly complete their tour in this holy city. Surely these gorgeous Rameshwaram Temples would be the most picturesque and pious edifices that you would ever see in your life.