The temple and the island of Rameswaram have acquired this name because, Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva, the God of Gods here on return from Sri Lanka. According to legend, after killing Ravana Lord Rama returned with his consort Goddess Seetha to India first stepping on the shores of Rameswaram. To expiate the "dosha" of killing a brahmin, Lord Rama wanted to offer worship to Lord Shiva. Since there was no shrine in the island had despatched Sri Hauman to Kailash to bring an idol of Lord Shiva.
Between 1897 and 1904, the ALAR family of Devakottai completed the imposing eastern tower of nine tiers 126 feet in height from Thiruppani funds. Between 1907 and 1925 they renovated the Sanctum Sanctorum and the prakaram(inner most corridor) by replacing the lime stones by black granite with adequate provision for light and ventilation and also arranged for the performance of Ashtabandana Kumbabishekam in 1925; then on 22-2-1947 and the third Ashtabandana Maha Kumbabishegam was performed on 5-2-1975.
World Famous Third Corridor :
Outer Wing - East_West – 690 feet
North-South - 435 feet
Innerwing - East_West - 649 feet
North-South - 395 feet
Total number of pillars – 1212
Height of Corridor – 22 feet 7 ½ inch
Second Corridor :
During the construction of first corridor, it was decided to renovate the second corridor. The lime stone structure in Second corridor was dismantled and started granited stone work. But only compound wall in west side and one portion in north side of western wing in south gate was renovate. After that no Renovation work as done.
Therefore, it was proposed to complete the Renovation work of Second Corridor by collecting Funds from the public. Between 1961 to 1985, the Renovation work of Second Corridor was taken up and completed the western side of Second Corridor and a portion in North and South side, from the Temple Renovation Fund. Now it has been proposed to complete the Renovation of Second Corridor which has been unfinished and the Renovation work is started now.
The Sethupathy mandapam in front of the Temple’s Raja Gopuram9main Tower) was constructed by Ramanatha Sethupathy, a descendant of Ramnad Raja dynasty, with his own donation of Rs. 2,75,000 /-. This construction was started on 19-11-69 and completed on 11-2-74.
It is also most essential to construct the North and South Gopurams. Shri Jagadguru Sringeri Peedathipathy and Shri jagadguru Kanchi Kamakoti Peedathipathy have given their kind blessings for the constructions of the North and South Gopurams of the Temple.
Worship :
The temple will be kept open for the devotees from 5 A.M to 9 P.M(except between 1 P.M and 3 P.M). The poojas are performed six times a day in this temple.
Details of Pooja Timings
1. Palliyarai Deepa Arathana 05:00 A.M
2. Spadigalinga Deepa Arathana 05:10 A.M
3. Thiruvananthal Deepa Arathana 05:45 A.M
4. Vila Pooja 07:00 A.M
5. Kalasanthi Pooja 10:00A.M
6. Uchikala Pooja 12:00 NOON
7. Sayaratcha Pooja 06:00 P.M
8. Arthajama Pooja 08.30 P.M
9. Palliyarai Pooja 08:45 P.M
Palliyarai ( Sayanangriha) Procession of Swami and the Palliyarai Pooja for Swami and Ambal in the Sayanagriha in Ambal Shrine are performed between 8.45 and 9.00 PM. In additions to the regular poojas at prescribed periods, poojas are also performed by the priests on behalf of individual pilgrims as they come with their tickets obtained from the Devasthanam office.
Pilgrims who wish to offer cash, gold or silver ornaments or other valuable articles should produce them before the temple Peishkar who will arrange to have them placed at the feet of the Lord or Devi as the case may be and get them entered in the temple accounts and issue proper receipts.
Devotees who desire to endow lands or other immovable property should contact the Treasurer or Executive Officer of the temple and arrange to have the prescribed Deeds executed with the approval of the Board of Trustees and legal officers.
Ganga water to be accepted from Abhishekam should be brought in brass, copper or bronze vessels and such vessels will be accepted on payment of the prescribed fees per vessel to Peishkar. Vessels made of tin or iron will not be accepted; but those who bring such vessels should pay for copper or brass vessels available in the temple and the peishkar will have the Ganga water transferred to temple vessels after satisfying himself about the genuineness of the water. Ganga water can also be sent by post or rail with prescribed fee per vessel and an additional One rupee.
A hundi box is available at the main entrance to each sannidhi into which devotees can put their cash offerings. The hundi boxes are opened periodically in the presence of officers and the public and the proceeds are taken to the temple account.
Inside Theerthams:
Worship :
The temple will be kept open for the devotees from 5 A.M to 9 P.M(except between 1 P.M and 3 P.M). The poojas are performed six times a day in this temple.
Details of Pooja Timings
1. Palliyarai Deepa Arathana 05:00 A.M
2. Spadigalinga Deepa Arathana 05:10 A.M
3. Thiruvananthal Deepa Arathana 05:45 A.M
4. Vila Pooja 07:00 A.M
5. Kalasanthi Pooja 10:00A.M
6. Uchikala Pooja 12:00 NOON
7. Sayaratcha Pooja 06:00 P.M
8. Arthajama Pooja 08.30 P.M
9. Palliyarai Pooja 08:45 P.M
Palliyarai ( Sayanangriha) Procession of Swami and the Palliyarai Pooja for Swami and Ambal in the Sayanagriha in Ambal Shrine are performed between 8.45 and 9.00 PM. In additions to the regular poojas at prescribed periods, poojas are also performed by the priests on behalf of individual pilgrims as they come with their tickets obtained from the Devasthanam office.
Pilgrims who wish to offer cash, gold or silver ornaments or other valuable articles should produce them before the temple Peishkar who will arrange to have them placed at the feet of the Lord or Devi as the case may be and get them entered in the temple accounts and issue proper receipts.
Devotees who desire to endow lands or other immovable property should contact the Treasurer or Executive Officer of the temple and arrange to have the prescribed Deeds executed with the approval of the Board of Trustees and legal officers.
Ganga water to be accepted from Abhishekam should be brought in brass, copper or bronze vessels and such vessels will be accepted on payment of the prescribed fees per vessel to Peishkar. Vessels made of tin or iron will not be accepted; but those who bring such vessels should pay for copper or brass vessels available in the temple and the peishkar will have the Ganga water transferred to temple vessels after satisfying himself about the genuineness of the water. Ganga water can also be sent by post or rail with prescribed fee per vessel and an additional One rupee.
A hundi box is available at the main entrance to each sannidhi into which devotees can put their cash offerings. The hundi boxes are opened periodically in the presence of officers and the public and the proceeds are taken to the temple account.
Inside Theerthams:
The Theerthams of the Temple inside the Corridor and their significance,
1. Mahalakshmi Theertham :
Location : South of the Hanuman Temple.
Significance : Dharmarajan bathed here and became rich.
2. Savithri Theertham :
Location : West of the Hanuman Temple.
Significance : King Kasibar got rid of his curse.
3. Gayathri Theertham :
Location : West of the Hanuman Temple.
Significance : King Kasibar got rid of his curse.
4. Saraswathi Theertham :
Location : West of the Hanuman Temple.
Significance : King Kasibar got rid of his curse.
5. Sethu Madhava Theertham :
Location : The Tank at the third corridor.
Significance : One will get lakshmi's blessings and purification of heart.
6. Gandhamadana Theertham :
Location : In the area of the Sethumadhava Temple.
Significance : One will get riches and their sins will be absolved after getting rid of their penury.
7. kavatcha Theertham :
Location : In the area of the Sethumadhava Temple.
Significance : One will not go to hell.
8. Gavaya Theertham :
Location : In the area of the Sethumadhava Temple.
Significance : Shelter under karpaga Virutchaga Tree.
9. Nala Theertham :
Location : In the area of the Sethumadhava Temple.
Significance : One will get Soorya Thejas and reach Heaven.
10. Neela Theertham :
Location : In the area of the Sethumadhava Temple.
Significance : One will get the benefit of Samastha(entire) yaga and receive Agni Yoga.
11. Sanku Theertham :
Location : In the inner corridor of the Temple.
Significance : Vathsanaba, the Sage, got rid of his sin of ingratitude.
12. Sakkara Theertham :
Location : In the inner corridor of the Temple.
Significance : The Sun got His hand turned golden.
13. Brahmahathi Vimochana Theertham :
Location : In the inner corridor of the Temple.
Significance : Brahamahathi was absolved of his sins.
14. Sooriya Theertham :
Location : In the inner corridor of the Temple.
Significance : One will get the knowledge of the past present and the future and reach the worlds they want.
15. Chandra Theertham :
Location : In the inner corridor of the Temple.
Significance : One will get the knowledge of the past present and the future and reach the worlds they want.
16. Ganga Theertham :
Location : In the inner corridor of the Temple.
Significance : Gananasuruthi Rajah attained wisdom.
17. Yamuna Theertham :
Location : In the inner corridor of the Temple.
Significance : Gananasuruthi Rajah attained wisdom.
18. Gaya Theertham :
Location : In the inner corridor of the Temple.
Significance : Gananasuruthi Rajah attained wishdom.
19. Siva Theertham :
Location : South of nandi Deva in the Temple.
Significance : Completion of Bhaira Brahmahathi.
20. Sadyamirtha Theertham :
Location : In the Amman Sannathi.
Significance : Emperor Bururoonu got rid of his curse.
21. Sarva Theertham :
Location : In front of Lord Ramanatha's sannathi.
Significance : Sutharishna got rid of his blindness(from birth), illness and old age and then he prospered.
22. Kodi Theertham :
Location : In the first corridor of the Temple.
Significance : Sri Krishna got rid of his Sin of killing his Uncle, kamsan.
Outside Theertham
The Theerthams Outside the Temple, Their Location and Their Significance,
1. Vedhala Varatham Theertham :
Location : South of Mandapam.
Significance : SudharIsanan got rid of his curse.
2. Papa Vinasa Theertham :
Location : South of Mandapam.
Significance : Brahmana and Sudra, who committed heinous sins got expiated and attained Heaven.
3. Bhairava Theertham :
Location : In Pamban.
Significance : Relief from Brahmahathi Dhosham.
4. Kabhi Theertham :
Location : In Pamban.
Significance : Aramba got rid of curse.
5. Seetha Kundam :
Location : North of Thangachimadam.
Significance : Indra got rid of Brahamahathi.
6. Mangala Theertham :
Location : North of Thangachimadam.
Significance : King Manojava got his Kingdom.
7. Amirtha Valli Theertham :
Location : In Sri Ekanda RamaswamI Temple.
Significance : Agasthiya’s brother attained heaven Sarva abhishta Siddhi.
8. RANA Vimosana Theertham :
Location : North of Sri Ekanda RamaswamI temple.
Significance : Relief from all debts.
9. Lakshmana Theertham :
Location : On the Rameswaram – Pamban Road
Significance : Balaraman got rid of Brahmahathi
10. Rama Theertham :
Location : On the Rameswaram – Pamban Road.
Significance : Dharmarajan got rid of his Sin of telling a lie.
11. Seetha Theertham :
Location : On the rameswaram – pamban Road.
Significance : Dharmarajan Got rid of his Sin telling a lie
12. Sukreeva Theertham :
Location : On the way to Ganthamathana Parvatham.
Significance : One will get complete wisdom and attain Soorya Loka.
13. Angatha Theertham :
Location : On the way to Ganthamathana Parvatham.
Significance : Attaining the position of Devendra.
14. Jambava Theertham :
Location : On the way to Ganthamathana Parvatham.
Significance : Longevity of life.
15. Gandhamadhana Theertham :
Location : On the way to Gandhamadhana Parvatham.
Significance : Reaching Vaikunda.
(16-20) Panja Pandava Theertham.
16. Dharma Theertham
17. Bhima Theertham
18. Arjuna Theertham
19. Nahula Theertham
20. Sahadeva Theertham :
Significance : Ishtartha Siddi. Getting the things we want.
21. Dhroupathi Theertham :
Location : Near Sri Bhadrakali Temple.
Significance : Ladies will get long life with the love of their spouses.
22. Brahma Theertham :
Location : Near Sri Bhadrakali Temple.
Significance : Bramadevi got rid of his curse.
23. Hanuma Gunda Theertham
Location : Near Sri Bhadrakali Temple.
Significance : King Dharma Saga got a son.
24. Naga Theertham :
Location : North-East of the Temple at the Devasthana madam.
Significance : Those, who bathe in this along with all other Theerthams including the Ganga Theertham will attain heaven.
25. Agasthiya Theertham :
Location : North East of the Temple.
Significance : Katchivan got Manoramai.
26. Jadayu Theertham :
Location : On the way to Dhanuskodi.
Significance : Pirugu, Dhathathreya, Dhurvasa and Suga got purity of heart.
27. Dhanushkodi Theertham
Location : The sea in Dhanuskodi(Confluence of the Rivers Rathnaharam and Mahodathi).
Significance :
» Asuvathaman got rid of his sin of killing those who were sleeping.
» Dharma Gupta got rid of his insanity.
» Para Vasu, A Brahman, got rid of his Brahmahathi Dhosham.
» Sumathi got rid of Mahapathagam.
» Dhurasaran got rid of Samsarkka Bathaga Dhosham.
28. Deva Theertham :
Location : In front of Sri Rama Sannathi.
Significance : Indra made a yagam to win the Asuras.
29. Kajan Theertham :
Location : In front of Sri Rama Sannathi.
Significance : Relief from all sins.
30. Saravana Theertham :
Location : In front of Sri Rama Sannathi.
Significance : Relief from all sins.
31. Kumuthan Theertham :
Location : In front of Sri Rama Sannathi.
Significance : Relief from all sins.
32. Haran Theertham :
Location : In front of Sri Rama Sannathi.
Significance : Relief from all sins.
33. Panagan Theertham :
Location : In front of Sri Rama Sannathi.
Significance : Relief from all sins.
34. Vibeeshana Theertham :
Location : In front of Sri Rama Sannathi.
Significance : Relief from mental agony, all sins, poverty, and Dhushvapanam.
Pilgrims should take their own vessels and rope and draw water out of the Theerthams(mostly wells) in different parts of the temple. No water should be allowed to go into the wells after bath. The baths refresh both the mind and the body. The waters have medicinal properties besides that the mystic SANCTITY attached to each of them.
The 31 Theerthams outside of the temple, extend from Devipatnam(Navapashanam) and Tirupullani (Darbhasayanam) near Ramnad to Mandapam. Pamban Thangachimadam and Rameswaram though they are the treat traditional importance, many of them have not been properly maintained and so most of the pilgrims do not take the trouble of visiting these places. Several of them are also not easily accessible.
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