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Ramanatha Swamy is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Rameswaram, Tamilnadu. The temple has two ‘Lingas’ presiding, which are ‘Ramalingam’ and ‘Viswalingam’. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord RamanathaSwamy (Lord Shiva), is believed to have been established and worshiped by Lord Rama who was aided by Goddess Devi Sita and Lord Hanuman. Since demon King Ravana was a Brahmin and a devotee of Lord Shiva as well. ‘Ramalingam’ was the one built with sand by Goddess Devi Sita herself and ‘Viswalingam’ was the one brought by Lord Hanuman from Kailasha (abode of Lord Shiva).
 
As per legacy, Lord Rama wanted to have a large Lingam to worship Lord Shiva to absolve him of the sin of killing a Brahmin. Thus, he directed Lord Hanuman, (the monkey lieutenant in his army) to bring a Lingam from the Himalayas. However, when Lord Hanuman was delayed in bringing the Lingam. Ensured by the event, Goddess Devi Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, built a small Lingam out of the sand that was available on the seashore. Thus both the Lingam was then placed by Lord Rama.
 
According to another legacy, while returning to Ayodhya, Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of a Shiva Lingam made of earth by Goddess Sita.  It is said that Lord Hanuman was entrusted with the task of bringing an image of Lord Viswanathar from Benaras.  Anticipating delay in Lord Hanuman’s return from Benaras, Lord Rama offered worship to a Shivalingam at a pre-chosen auspicious moment.  It is said that the names is also called Ramalingam and the town Rameshwaram.
 

Importance of Rameshwaram

Taking the ganga water to Rameshwar, is considered as a very auspicious and pious thing to do after the pilgrimage of the four holy shrines. After taking a holy bath in Ganga water, the holy water is carried and offered to Lord Shiva of Rameshwaram. After this a little sand from here is carried to Ganga and immersed there. completing this ritual is believed to make one's pilgrimage complete and successful.
The main deity of this temple is, the Shiva linga installed by Lord Rama is kept inside this shrine. Ramanathaswamy temple is built using dark black granite sculptures, and the Vimana (roof top tower) was coated with gold. Speciality of this temple is, there are separate shrines for Lord Ramanathswamy, Goddess Visalakshi, Parvathavardhini, Lord Santanaganpathi, Lord Mahaganapathi, Lord Subrahmanya, Lord Sethumadhava, Goddess Mahalaxmi, Lord Nataraja, and Lord Hanuman. The sanctum of Lord Ramanathaswamy contains aLingam which is believed to have been installed by Lord Rama himself while on the north of this shrine is the sanctum of Lord Viswanathar which is believed to have been brought by Hanuman from Mount Kailash.
 
Temple Festival
 
Auspicious Navarathri, MahaSivarathri, Thirukkalyanam, Aarudhira Dharshana festival are celebrated in this temple.
 

Do:

  • Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to Temple.
  • Do contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
  • Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Temple well in advance.
  • Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
  • Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
  • Do maintain silence and recite Om Namahsivaya or your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
  • Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
  • Do respect religious sentiments at Temple.
  • Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.
 

Don't s:

  • Do not come to Temple for any purpose other than worshipping of God and Goddess.
  • Do not smoke at Temple.
  • Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple.
  • Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
  • Do not approach mediators for quick Darshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others.
  • Do not carry any weapon inside the temple.
  • Do not wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
  • Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  • Do not take much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam to God in Garbhagriha.
  • Do not buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
  • Do not encourage beggars at Temple.
  • Do not spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.