Rameswaram Jyotirlinga
The eleventh Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is world famous as Sri Rameshwaram. This holy place is located in the Ramanathapuram district of the state of Tamil Nadu and holds special significance as one of the four holy places of Hinduism. Rameshwaram is located on a beautiful conch-shaped island between the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Lord Shri Ram himself installed a Shivlinga here, hence the spiritual grandeur of this place is considered to be immense.
Rameshwaram, known as the Kashi of South India, is a symbol of faith, devotion and salvation for devotees. The magnificent Ramanathaswamy Temple located here is famous for its unique Dravidian style of architecture. The long and magnificent corridor of the temple is considered one of the largest temple corridors in the world. Devotees believe that here the grace of both Lord Shiva and Lord Shri Ram is received together.
The Mythology of Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga
During the Treta Yuga, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Shri Ram and established religion. During his exile, Ravana abducted Mother Sita, after which Lord Shri Ram went in search of Sita. With the help of Hanumanji and Sugriva, he came to know that Mother Sita was in Lanka.
Lord Shri Ram reached the seashore with his monkey army and started searching for a way to reach Lanka. At that time, he felt thirsty, but before drinking water, he remembered that he had not worshipped his beloved Lord Shiva. Therefore, he made a Shivlinga on earth from sand and worshipped Lord Shiva with devotion.
Lord Shriram prayed, “Oh Mahadev! Grant me success in the religious war and give me the power to destroy unrighteousness.” Pleased with Shriram’s sincere devotion, Lord Shiva appeared there with Mother Parvati and blessed him with victory.
Then Lord Shriram requested Lord Shiva to always reside at this holy place so that the devotees of the whole world may attain welfare. Lord Shiva accepted this prayer and settled there in the form of a Jyotirlinga. Since this Jyotirlinga was established by Lord Shriram, it became famous as “Rameswaram”.
Religious importance of Rameshwaram
Rameswaram is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites of Hinduism. It is included in the Char Dham Yatra, hence it is considered very auspicious for every Hindu to visit here once in his life. It is believed that seeing the Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga and anointing it with Ganga water washes away sins and the devotee attains salvation.
Bathing in the 22 holy tanks here has special religious significance. Devotees first bathe in these tanks and then have darshan of Lord Ramanathaswamy.
Architecture of Ramanathaswamy Temple
The Rameshwaram Temple is a wonderful example of Dravidian architecture. The huge pillars, beautiful carvings and long corridors of the temple enchant the devotees. The grand corridor of the temple is more than 1200 meters long, which is world famous.
Apart from Lord Shiva, the “Parvatvardhini” and “Vishalakshi” forms of Goddess Parvati are also worshipped in the temple premises. A Shivling brought from Kashi is also installed here.
Main places associated with Rameshwaram
There are many holy places near Rameshwaram like Ramsetu, Sitakund, Kodand Swami Temple, Ekant Ram Temple and Setu Madhav Temple. All these places are associated with the life of Lord Shri Ram and the Ramayana, making them a center of great faith for pilgrims.
Mantra of Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga
To obtain the grace of Lord Rameshwara, devotees chant the following mantra:
“Om Rameshwaraaya Namah॥”