Ramanathaswamy Temple

Ramanathaswamy Temple Latest News

The Prime Minister recently welcomed BRICS leaders against a backdrop featuring Tamil Nadu’s iconic Ramanathaswamy temple.

About Ramanathaswamy Temple

• It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on Rameswaram Island in the state of Tamil Nadu.
• History:
  • According to the Puranas, Lord Ram arrived at Rameswaram along with Sita and Laxman after his victory over Ravana.
  • Ram is believed to have consecrated and worshipped the Shivalinga at the temple to expiate the sin of killing Ravana, who was a Brahmin.
  • The name Rameswaram is also linked to this belief. Ramanathaswamy refers to Lord Rameswara, or Eswara, consecrated by Lord Ram.  
  • The first stone temple was built here by the Chola kings in the 12th century, and additions were made by kings of the Pandya dynasty and the rulers of Vijayanagar. 
  • The great Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagar came here in 1513 after conquering Lanka and made magnificent gifts to the temple. 
  • The Sethupati kings of Ramnad became the guardians of the temple during the rule of the Nayakas, and they finally completed the temple. 
  • The Temple is one of the 12 Jyothirlinga temples, where Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlingam, meaning “pillar of light”. 
    • Of the 12 Jyotirlingas, 11 are in the north, and only Ramanathaswamy is in the south. 
  • It is one of the four Char Dham shrines. The other three are Dwaraka, Puri, and Badrinath, all located in the north. 
    • It is the only temple dedicated to Lord Shiva among the four Char Dham shrines. 
• Architecture:
  • The temple is renowned for its stunning Dravidian architecture, characterized by towering gopurams and intricate carvings. 
  • Like all ancient temples in South India, there is a high compound wall (madil) on all four sides of the temple premises.
  • The temple has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India. It measures 197 metres from East to West and 133 metres from South to North.  
  • The temple’s interior features extensive halls between enormous colonnades on platforms over 5 ft.
  • The colossal granite walls are marked by intricate carvings and depictions of Hindu deities.  
  • The temple has 22 holy wells with water believed to have healing properties, used in rituals.

News: TH

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