Rameshwaram Temple - The 11th Jyotirlinga among 12

 Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located on the island of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, India, and is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites for Hindus.

History:

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, along with his brother Lakshmana, and the monkey army  had prayed to Lord Shiva at Rameshwaram to seek blessings for their victory over the demon king Ravana. Lord Rama is believed to have built a bridge, known as Rama Setu, to reach the island of Lanka from Rameshwaram. It is also believed that Lord Rama installed a lingam at Rameshwaram to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Architecture:

The Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga temple is a magnificent structure built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple complex is spread over an area of 15 acres and has four entrances, facing the four cardinal directions. The temple has a 38-meter high gopuram (tower) that is visible from a distance. The temple has a long corridor that is 197 meters long and has 1200 pillars, which are intricately carved with various designs. The main shrine of the temple houses the lingam, which is believed to have been installed by Lord Rama. The lingam is made of sand and is believed to be self-manifested. The temple also has a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Ramanathaswamy. The temple complex also has several other smaller shrines dedicated to various deities.

Significance:

The Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is considered to be one of the most sacred places of worship for Hindus. It is believed that a pilgrimage to this temple can wash away all sins and grant salvation. It is also believed that offering prayers and performing rituals at the temple can bring peace, prosperity, and good health to devotees. The temple is particularly important for those who wish to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for the fulfillment of their wishes and desires.

Rituals and Festivals:

The temple is open for devotees from 5 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 9 pm. The daily rituals at the temple begin with the Abhishekam, which is the ritualistic bathing of the lingam with water, milk, and other offerings. This is followed by the Aarti, which is the waving of lamps before the deity. Devotees can also perform special rituals, such as Rudrabhishekam, which is a powerful prayer to Lord Shiva, and Navagraha Pooja, which is a prayer to the nine planets. 

The Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga temple is also famous for its unique traditions and rituals. One of the most famous rituals is the bath in the 22 sacred wells located inside the temple complex. Each well is believed to have its unique healing properties and is associated with a different deity. Devotees take a dip in these wells before visiting the main temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

The temple also celebrates several festivals throughout the year, such as Maha Shivratri, which is a grand celebration of Lord Shiva, and Navaratri, which is a nine-day festival dedicated to the nine forms of the Goddess Durga.

The temple is also known for its unique tradition of offering prayers to ancestors. It is believed that offering prayers to one's ancestors at Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga can help in attaining salvation.

Conclusion:

The Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and is believed to hold great spiritual significance. The temple's rich history, magnificent architecture, and daily rituals make it a must-visit destination for those seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. A pilgrimage to Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is considered to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that can bring immense spiritual benefits to devotees.

The Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is not just a religious site but also a popular tourist destination. The town of Rameshwaram has many other attractions, including the Ram Setu, which is a chain of limestone shoals that connects Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka. The Pamban Bridge, which is the longest sea bridge in India, connects Rameshwaram to mainland India. The town also has many beaches, including the Dhanushkodi Beach, which is famous for its pristine beauty.