Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga Guide: Rameswaram 22 Kunds, Corridor & Route
Located on the serene Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu, the Ramanathaswamy Temple is both a holy Jyotirlinga and a vital part of the main Char Dham pilgrimage. The temple is globally famous for its architectural marvels, including the longest temple corridor in the world, and its 22 holy water wells (Teerthams). Devotees take a sacred bath in these wells as part of their purification rituals before seeking blessings from the deity.
📖 Table of Contents
Historical & Mythological Significance
According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here to seek forgiveness for the sin of killing Ravana (a Brahmin) in the battle. Rama sent Hanuman to bring a Shiva Linga from Mount Kailash. As Hanuman was delayed, Rama's wife Sita crafted a Linga out of sand (Ramalingam). When Hanuman returned, Rama placed his Linga (Visvalingam) next to it, decreeing that Hanuman's Linga be worshipped first, a tradition followed to this day.
Temple Timings & Aarti Schedule
Open daily from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Main events: - Spatika Linga Darshan: 5:10 AM to 6:00 AM (highly auspicious) - General Darshan: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
VIP Passes & Entry Guidelines
General entry is free. Spatika Linga Darshan tickets cost ₹50 per person. Special queue passes are available for ₹200. Bathing in the 22 Teerthams costs ₹25 per person.
Dress Code & Prohibited Items
Traditional South Indian dress code is strictly enforced: - Men: Dhoti or Veshti with shirt/upper cloth. Pants are allowed but jeans/t-shirts are discouraged. - Women: Saree, half-saree, or salwar-suit with dupatta. - Note: Devotees must change wet clothes after bathing in the 22 wells before entering the main sanctum.
✈️ How to Reach the Temple
By Air
Madurai Airport is the nearest, located 170 km from Rameswaram, with flights connecting to Chennai and Bangalore.
By Rail
Rameswaram Railway Station (RMM) connects the island directly to Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, and Coimbatore.
By Road
Rameswaram is connected to mainland India via the famous Pamban Bridge. Buses run regularly from Madurai, Kanyakumari, and Trichy.
🌟 Things to Do & Local Sightseeing
- 1
Take a holy bath in the 22 Sacred Teerthams (wells) inside the temple complex.
- 2
Walk through the magnificent third corridor, featuring 1,212 carved pillars, the longest in the world.
- 3
Visit Dhanushkodi, the ghost town at the southern tip of the island where the Ram Setu begins.
- 4
Visit the APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial, dedicated to India's former President who was born here.
- 5
Explore Pamban Bridge, the historic sea bridge connecting the island to mainland India.
🏨 Accommodation & Where to Stay
Rameswaram has numerous hotels, ashrams, and temple trust guest houses (like Ramco Yatri Niwas). Local mathas run highly affordable dharamshalas.
📋 Essential Travel Tips for Pilgrims
- ✓Wake up early to catch the 5:00 AM Spatika Linga Darshan.
- ✓Hire an official guide to help navigate the 22 wells bath queue smoothly.
- ✓Carry a spare set of dry clothes.