Another name for Shiva that means “Lord of Rama” in Sanskrit is Rameswara. The Hindu epic Ramayana claims that Lord Ram, the seventh manifestation of the god Vishnu, pleaded to Shiva here for forgiveness for whatever transgressions he may have made while fighting the evil king Ravana in Sri Lanka in order to save his wife Devi Sita.
Rameshwaram’s past: Myths and legends
In order to plead for forgiveness for his transgressions, Lord Rama reportedly followed the sages’ advice, according to the Puranas (Hindu scriptures).
In order to atone for the sin that Brahmahatya committed by killing the Brahmin Ravana, Lord Rama, his wife Devi Sita, and his brother Lord Lakshmana installed and worshipped a lingam (a famous emblem of Shiva) here, following the advice of the Sages.
Lord Rama commanded Lord Hanuman to bring the most giant lingam from the Himalayas so that he might worship Lord Shiva.
Sita constructed a smaller lingam, which is thought to be the one in the sanctum of the temple, as it was taking longer to transport the larger lingam.
In some later versions of the Ramayana, such as the one written by Tulasidas, the following account is maintained rather than the original Ramayana by Valmiki or the Tamil version of the Ramayana written by Tamil poet Kambar (1180-1250 CE) (15th century).
It is said that Lord Rama helped by Hanuman and Vanar Sena constructed the Ramsetu Bridge, a floating stone bridge, 22 kilometers before the island of Rameswaram.
The bridge carried on past Talaimannar in Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi in Rameswaram.
A different version of the Ramayana, as quoted in Adhyatma Ramayana, claims that Lord Rama put the lingam before the bridge was built to Lanka
Rameshwaram Temple is a revered pilgrimage site with exceptional craftsmanship in its design.
The temple’s architecture is incredibly beautiful.
The temple’s grounds are surrounded by a tall compound wall (madil), which is typical of temples built in South India and measures approximately 865 feet from east to west and 657 feet from north to south. On the north and south of the temple grounds are finished gate towers, and on the east and west are massive towers known as gopurams.
Long passages crisscross enormous colonnades on platforms over five feet high inside the temple.
How to reach Rameshwaram?
The popular tourist destination in the state of Tamil Nadu is Rameshwaram.
Hinduism considers it to be a significant pilgrimage and one of India’s Char Dhams.
There are 64 Theertham (Tirthas) in total, and all of them are noted for their holiness and picturesque village located on Pamban Island.
Rameshwarm, which receives tens of thousands of pilgrims and tourists annually, is well connected by road, rail, and air.
The most entertaining way to reach Rameshwaram is by Train. With the picturesque locations making the train journey more satisfying and joyful, the five-platform Rameshwaram Railway Station is connected by rail to important stations including Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai, Thanjavur, and Chennai.
Rail journey with your favorite food makes you even happier and our own India company Zoop delivers food for you and that too directly to your seat. Planning your next visit to Rameshwaram order food from ZOOP only.