Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple

History

According to tradition, Lord Rama consecrated the original linga before crossing to Lanka to rescue Sita. Early stone temple construction began under the Pandya dynasty (12th century CE). The Jaffna kingdom rulers Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan (1380–1410 CE) and Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan renovated the sanctum. The Vijayanagara king Krishna Deva Raya visited in 1513. The famous outer (third) corridor — the world's longest temple corridor — was built by Muthu Krishnappa Nayak (Sethupati of Ramnad) and completed by Muthuramalinga Sethupathi (ruled 1763–1795 CE). The Krishnamutt and Setupati rulers were major patrons. The temple is administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Government of Tamil Nadu under the HRCE Act.

Mythology

After killing Ravana (a Brahmin and devotee of Shiva), Lord Rama sought absolution from Brahmahatya dosha (sin of killing a Brahmin). He decided to establish and worship a Shiva lingam at Rameswaram. He sent Hanuman to Mount Kailash to retrieve a crystal lingam. When the auspicious muhurta (moment) arrived but Hanuman had not returned, Mata Sita fashioned a lingam from seashore sand — this became the Ramalingam (Ramanatha), the primary deity. When Hanuman finally arrived with the crystal lingam from Kailash, Rama declared both would remain: the Hanuman-brought crystal lingam (Vishvalingam) would be worshipped first, in perpetuity, before the Ramalingam — a custom followed to this day. The Ramalingam retains marks said to be from Hanuman's tail when he tried to remove it. Bathing in the 22 theerthams inside the temple and in Agni Theertham (Bay of Bengal outside the east gate) before darshan completes the pilgrimage ritual.