Rameshwaram Temple in Tamil Nadu
Rameshwaram is one of the most fascinating temples located in Ramanathpuram in the state of Tamil Nadu. Who ever visits pilgrimage place Varanasi would definitely make a visit to Rameshwaram which is the most sacred pilgrimage destinations and is one of the four major pilgrimage sites of Hindus in south.
Rameshwaram as the name implies, is the place where Lord Rama offered thanks to Lord Shiva in return for his support in defeating King Ravana. So Rameshwaram is an important pilgrimage destination for both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu devotees. In this holy land of Rameshwaram there are many attractive temples that bejeweled.
Legends related with Rameshwaram Temple:
As it is said that Legend Rama, while returning to Ayodhya has worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of Shiva Lingam made of earth by Sita. Since legend Hanuman delayed of bringing an image of Viswanathar from Benares so Lord Rama worshipped this Shiva lingam made of earth by Sita his wife. Thus this Shiva lingam is named as Ramalingam.
Another legend related with this Rameshwaram temple, when legend Hanuman brought the image of Viswanathar from Banares is called as Kasilingam and Hanumalingam. Devotees offer prayers to this Viswanathar prior to Ramanathaswamy.
Rameshwaram Temple :
Rameswaram Temple has the Lingam of Ranganatha swamy as the presiding deity. The Rameshwaram temple Jyotirlinga represents the southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlingams. Rameswaram Temple was Constructed in the 12th century by many rulers of that period. Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the famous temple constructed in Dravidian style of architecture.
The Rameswaram temple has several mandapams that enshrines other deities. The temple has the central attraction of a huge Nandi about 9 feet height. There are other idols of Viswanatha Naicker and Krishnama Naicker inside the Rameswaram temple. An image of Visalakshi, the Consort of Visvanatha, Ramanatha’s Consort, Parvathavardhani are also enshrined in this Rameswaram temple. The premises of Rameswaram temple are spread with 22 wells where water from each well tastes different. The festivals celebrated in Rameswaram temple are Bhrammotsavams in Aadi and in Maasi. The place Rameshwaram is connected by rail directly to Madras, Trichy Madurai, and Coimbatore where Madras is connected with all the main places in India.