Rameswaram tourism and travel guide
Rameswaram India
4.5/5
Best Session
October - June
Ideal Duration
2
Station:
Rameshwaram
Major Airports
Madurai (170 Km)
Weather
31.27 ° C
Weather Type
Clouds
Price On Request
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Overview
As the day breaks, the aurora over the Agnitirtham, a stretch of the shallow sea that extends in front of the temple, lightens up the soul as it does the temple. A quaint, cloistered village by the sea Rameswaram’s is a sea-side village where the sea is gentle and calm as it would have been in the times of Rama. Marked by intricate carvings and the large ramparts, Rameshwaram Temple, the Jyotirlinga Temple, is as senescent as Ramayana. Rameshwar’s ethereal hallow seeps deep down the soul and the dusk evidences Lord Rama’s omniscience, not just at the ocean and temple surroundings, but even to the side where sunrises after dusk at Ramanathaswamy.
This conch-shaped sacred island of Rameshwaram straggles out on 61.8 sq km of narrow sea in Tamil Nadu. Ramanatha Swamy Temple is located on Rameshwaram Island. The temple lays too close the confluence of Ratnakara (India Ocean) and Mahodadhi (Bay of Bengal), which also accredit the sacredness of Rameswaram and its name.
As the legend goes, the main Shiva-lingam inside the temple was hallowed by Rama on his return from Lanka after killing the demon Ravana. Rama asked his most dedicated devotee Hanuman to fetch him Shivalingam from Kailash, but as Hanuman couldn’t bring it on time, Sita, Rama’s consort, built a small lingam out of sand. However, on on Hanuman’s return with the actual Viswa Lingam from the mount of Kailash, Rama, to appease his disciple, said it would be worshipped first Sita’s Lingam to be placed on the altar
Located in Tamil Nadu, Rameswaram is the sacred pilgrimage of all Hindus and is thronged by tens and thousands of devotees round the year. A narrow sea separates Rameswaram – the conch shaped island - from mainland India over which looms two grand bridges for rail and road traffic respectively. Rameswaram provides access to all possible modes of transportation, namely air, rail, and road.
The Nearest airport to Rameswaram is Madurai Airport which is located at a distance of 163 km away from the shrine. Madurai Airport is well-linked with the flight to and fro from cities like Coimbatore, Chennai, and Bangalore. International travelers have to get connecting flights from Chennai International airport.
Rameswaram is well-connected by railways. Sethu Express and Rameswaram Express are convenient trains from Chennai. A number of buses, taxis and local transportation are available for further locomotion to Rameswaram.
Rameswaram enjoys a good bus connection with nearby cities and states of South India. Tamil Nadu Road Transport Corporation buses well-connect Rameshwaram with different cities in Tamil Nadu, including Kanyakumari, Madurai, Trichy, and Thanjavur. There are overnight deluxe super fast buses which ply between Chennai and Bangalore with Rameswaram, both cities being nearly 600 km away.
Weather
The weather in Rameswaram is moderate but during monsoon season, the weather is hot and humid. In winter, the weather is blissful. More details on weather conditions in Rameswaram are as follows:
Summer: The summers are moderate and the temperature rises up to 35 degrees Celsius.
Monsoons: July to September are the hot and humid seasons. Rameswaram at this time receives lesser rain.
Winter: November to February are the best seasons for visiting Rameswaram when the temperature is between 17 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius.
Yellamavasya is the main festival of Thirthahalli, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. This festival starts at the end of December month and continues till the beginning of January month. The festivity of this grandeur event lasts for 5 days. The first three days of the festival are considered to be very important. On the first day of the festivity that is Padya also known as the Pushyamasa of Yellamavasya, the Utsava Moorti(idol of Sri Rameswara) is taken to the Tunga river for Abhishekam and the holy idol is carried at the Parashurama Thirtha. After this, the pilgrims can take a holy dip in the river.
On the second day of festivity, the pilgrims pull the decorated chariot in which the idol of Lord Rama can be seen seated. The Chariot is 30 feet long and it passes through the car street. The Chariot is made in such a way that it can easily climb steep gradients of the street.
The third day of this humongous festivity is celebrated as Teppotsavam(raft-festival) during which the Utsava Moorthi carried on river Tunga across the other bank of the river at Kuruvalli and is brought back on the same day. On this day, all the temples are illuminated with lights and the crackers are burnt. The eye-catching view of the Tunga bridge, riverbanks, and Rama Mantap can’t be missed by any chance. The Tunga bridge is illuminated with color and lights. Rama Mantap is festooned with different types of artwork.
Other Festivals at Rameswaram:
February-March is highly attractive with Car festival with pulsating parades in the streets.
April is very good for viewing eye feasting Kavadi Festivals.
July-August is the time for Tiru Kalyana, celebrated with religious rituals and gaiety.
November is colored with the lights of Karthika Deepam festival
Things to do while in Rameswaram.
The list of activities that must be undertaken by the people while on a visit to the Rameswaram are as follows:
The Pilgrims must take bath in the 23 wells at the Rameswaram temple.
Dhanushkodi, Agneetheertham, Ramanathaswamy temple, Erawadi, Hanuman temple, Jatayu temple, and Pamban bridge are the must-see place.
Do carry ‘Dhoti’ Indian attire with you while entering the temple premises.
Make an advance booking of the hotels at Rameswaram.
If you are visiting Rameswaram in the month of December end, then do participate in the Yellamavasya festival.
The travelers can visit other getaway options which includes Tirupullani (64km), Uthirakosamangai (72 Km), Erwadi (80km), Kurusudai island (23 km),Kanchirankulam (105km), and Valinokkam (90km)
Arulmigu Ramanatha Swami Thirukkovil has an ancient Shiva Linga made by the wife of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita. As the timings of performing the religious ceremony were already planned, both Lord Rama and goddess Sita waited desperately for Lord Hanuman to return with Shiva Linga from Himalayas. But when Lord Hanuman didn’t return on time, the goddess decided to make Shiva Linga by her own hands. When Lord Hanuman returned carrying the Shiva Linga from Himalayas most part of the prayers had already been performed. In anger when he tried to remove the Shiva Linga with his tail, he remained unsuccessful. On seeing this, Lord Rama blessed Hanuman that before offering prayers to the Shivalinga built by his wife--goddess Sita, people would have to first pay cognizance to the Shiva Linga brought by him. The prayers offered by Lord Rama were aimed to relinquish himself from the ‘Brahma Dosha’ of killing a Brahmin(Raavana). Millions of pilgrims visit this shrine every day. During the season of Maha Shivratri special arrangements are also made for the pilgrims.
The Viswa-Linga installed by the Lord Hanuman on the other side of Rameswaram temple is a must-visit temple.
Another story that shares a significance with the destination is when Lord Rama was siphoning from Rameswaram, and he stopped on the way to drink water. While he was drinking, the celestial announcement made the proclamation-” you are drinking water without worshipping me. Saying these words Lord Shiva appeared in front of him and blessed him to get victorious over the demon Raavana. Lord Shiva disappeared and manifested himself in the Shiva Linga.
The temple remains open from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The elaborate Pujas are offered 6 times a day. The temple timings are as follows:
Pujas Timings
Palliyarai Deeparadhana05: 00 Am
Saptika Linga deeparadhana 05: 10 Am
Thiruvananthal Deeparadhana 7: 00 Am
Vila Puja 10:00 Am
Kaalasanthi Puja 12:00 Pm
Uchikala Puja 12:30 Pm
Saaya Raksha Puja 06:00 Pm
Ardhajaama Puja 08:00 Pm
Palliyarai Puja 08:45 Pm
Temple Tel: 04573-221223
In close proximity to the sea on the eastern side, Ramanathaswamy Temple gloriously exhibits its 17th century architecture. An architectural feast for the eyes, the temple of Ramanathaswamy is constructed with its 1200 granite columns which retain its shine and splendour till date. Keeping in line with the dimensions of this imposing temple, the Nandi statuette is approx 16 ft in height and 10 ft in width. The temple sanctum is decked up with intricately carved granite pillars and is chaperoned by dwarpalakas (temple guards). Inside, at the spot of the shrine, are the lingams made by Sita and Hanumana. The Lingam made by Sita is worshipped near the main altar. To the right is the Viswa-lingam brought by Hanuman, which is worshipped first every day. God Ramanathaswamy and his consort Goddess Parvatavardhini is the presiding deity of the Rameshwaram. Alongside one of the most significant and ancillary shrine of Lord Vishnu is called as Sethu Madhava. The idol of Nataraja is surrounded by many Sanniddhis and images of naga, decorated with intricate rudrakshas. This most sacred pilgrimage is considered complete if Ganga jal from Kashi is brought to Rameswaram for an abhishekam of the lingam.
Note:Special darshan tickets can be obtained for Rs 50. The Sphatika Lingam Puja is held at 5 am, entry fee Rs 10. There are special pujas at 10.30 am, 12.30 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm and 8.30 pm. The Gangajal jal abhishekam fee is Rs 10 and Ganga jal is available for Rs 51 per litre for abhishekham. On every Fridays Goddess Parvata-vardhini is taken around on a short procession from the third corridor in a golden palanquin at 7-7.30 pm. The main events on the festival calendar are the Shivaratri celebrations in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar) and the Thirukalyanam (enactment of the wedding ceremony) of Sri Ramanathaswamy and Parvatha-vardhini Ambal in the Tamil month of Adi (Jul-Aug). The temple remains open but the main sanctum is closed during Ravana Vadham Thiruvizha (celebration of Ravana’s end), when the utsavar deity is taken in a procession to the Kodhandaramar Temple, in May-June.
The eat and dine options at Rameswaram consists of various restaurants and food lounge where the the travelers can relish the best of the South Indian food. The Ram nivas restaurant also offers one of the finest dine options. Chinese, North Indian and South Indian food are also offered at this restaurant.
Ashok Bhavan is another restaurant in the region where the visitors can get the South Indian Thali at Rs 35. Situated throw stones away from the Rameswaram Swamy temple, the travelers can relish the best flavors of South Indian food at this eatery in South India.
Most of the cuisines in Rameswaram are prepared in the coconut oil. Dosai, Idli, Channa vada and the South Indian thaali are the most popular form of cuisines offered at food joints in Rameswaram. Hotel Aishwarya on the main Samadhi street offers Idli-Dosa-basics and Vadais tend to be cold. They have a well stocked freezer of readymade fruit juice and milkshake options. Hotel Abhirami, a couple of buildings away on the same road, serves unlimited basic meals for Rs 15 but is unhygenic and avoidable. Hotel Tamil Nadu has a la carte menu which the staple tiffin items are quiet good.
There is a popular mess near Sringeri Mutt premises run by a Brahmin family affiliated to the institution--they take family orders for full meals and also offer hot piping tiffins on banana leaves. Gujarat bhavan is another place where the meals are offered between 2PM and 7-9pm
Rameswaram is a conch shell-shaped island in Tamil Nadu, Southern India. A narrow sea separates it from mainland India, over which loom two grand bridges, for rail and road traffic respectively. Said to be as old as Ramayana, this magnificent Jyotirlinga temple, not far away from the holy confluence of Ratnakara(the Indian Ocean) the Mahodadhi(the Bay of Bengal), gives Rameswaram its name and life.
The travelers here can go for handicrafts shopping. The shops nearby the temple are provided one of the finest range of shopping products. The products made of conch and seashells catch everyone’s eye. There are many shops in the region which sells sea shells. Shoppers will find an array of Shell-based handicrafts on the many shops lining Sannadhi street--wall hangings, chandeliers, jewelry, and decorative mirrors.
Sannadhi Street: Shoppers will find an array of shell-based handicrafts on the many shops lining Sannadhi street--Wall hangings, chandeliers, jewelry, and decorative mirrors. The silk sarees of the region are quite popular. The popular retail store named Nalli silks provides the best quality of Indian attire. The best deals are to be found in the first floor-showroom of the Kalam Sea Shell Mart wholesale outlet run by relatives of Kalam family. The silk sarees of the region are quite popular. The popular retail store named Nalli silks provides the best quality of Indian attire.
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