Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga (Rameshwaram)

Eleventh Jyotirlinga — Rama is said to have worshipped Shiva here before crossing to Lanka.

दर्शन महत्व: The longest temple corridor in India and setu-bandhan lore; essential Char Dham of the South for many.

यात्रा का सर्वश्रेष्ठ समय: Oct–Mar

History

Ramanathaswamy at Rameswaram is the eleventh Jyotirlinga, on an island in the Gulf of Mannar. The temple is famed for the longest corridor in India and twenty-two theerthams (sacred wells) inside the complex. It is both a Jyotirlinga and a southern Char Dham stop, linking Shaiva and Ramayana pilgrimage.

Legends

• Rama is said to have installed a lingam of sand (or one brought by Hanuman from Kailash) to worship Shiva before crossing to Lanka — hence Ramanathaswamy.
• Bathing in the twenty-two wells and the agni theertham sea is believed to wash away the dosha of war and grant the fruit of a full tirtha yatra.