RAMESHWARAM TEMPLE

One of the twelve Jyotirlingams, Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is located in Rameswaram in the Bay of Bengal; it is said that Lord Ram set up the lingam here and revered Lord Siva before embarking on his journey to Lanka. The temple is famous for its architecture; its splendid Prakaras (corridors) supported by huge sculpted pillars on both sides are the longest amongst all Hindu temples in the world. Different rulers have made additions here since the 12th century CE.

The grand third corridor is 23 ft high, running East-West 690 ft; North-South 435 ft and the inner wing-running East-West 649 ft and North-South-395 ft. A total of 1212 Pillars support these corridors. It presents an elegant and massive view which overawes visitors and gives an endorsement to the excellent Indian temple architecture of the bygone era. Special Puja is organized daily; the Spatikalingam (lingam made of crystal) here is worshipped; it was established by the holy Adi Sankaracharya.