The Top 6 Temples in Rameshwaram

Located in the Gulf of Mannar, Rameshwaram is a famous island city that holds significant historical value. It is the place where Lord Rama halted during his campaign against the evil Rakshasa King Ravana.

The town is also one the Char Dhams in India – four pilgrimage sites that very Hindu must visit in their lifetime. It draws millions of pilgrims every year. We have compiled a list of temples in Rameshwaram that you definitely must visit when you head to this island.  

Temples in Rameshwaram

1. Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple

The Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram is renowned for the collection of Shivling it houses. The temple also happens to be one of the few temples in India that is built entirely in the Dravidian architectural style.

According to the ancient tales, the temple premises used to have 112 ponds, of which only 12 remain. The temple also attracts visitors because of its architecture. It houses the second largest pillared corridor in the world.

• Temple Timings: 5 am to 1 pm, 3 pm to 9 pm

2. Kothandaramaswamy Temple

The temple is situated in Dhanushkodi in Rameshwaram and is surrounded by a beautiful beach. The temple is located on a site that is mentioned in the Ramayana: the resting spot for Lord Rama as he was marching to Lanka.

The temple houses idols of Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. It is believed to be the final resting spot of Vibhishana, the younger brother of Ravana who met his end at the hands of Lord Rama.

• Temple Timings: 6.30 am to 10 am, 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm

3. Panchamukhi Temple

The Panchamukhi Temple is known for housing the five-faced idol of Lord Rama. The place is considered very important to any ‘Bal Brahmachari’. The idol is carved entirely out of a one large Senthooram stone.

It is said that the stone held more value than gold in ancient times. Besides the idol, the temple also houses stones that were used to build the ‘Ram Setu” a bridge used by Lord Rama and his army to invade Lanka.

• Temple Timings: 6 am to 7 am

4. Dhanushkodi Temple

The Dhanuskodi Temple is situated in the town of Dhanuskodi, close by to Rameshwaram. The temple now lies in a state of ruin but offers a beautiful view of the horizon.

The temple held great importance in its time and has been mentioned throughout the Ramayana. This place is a must visit for people who want to enjoy some great scenery and peace and quiet.

• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

5. Nambu Nayaki Amman Temple

The Nambu Nayaki Amman Temple is located approximately 8 kilometres from the Ramanathaswamy Temple and is dedicated to the goddess Dakshina Kali. The temple was initially located in Dhanushkodi but, after the cyclone of 1964, it was shifted near the Ramanathaswamy Temple.

The temple’s goddess is said to bless the local fisherman with good health and fertility. The goddess is said to have appeared to two sages, who then stayed in the village to cure the ailing people of the town.

• Timings: 5.30 am to 6 pm

6. Gandhamadhana Parvatham

Gandhamadhana Parvatham Temple is located on a mountain near Rameshwaram. This mountain is said to be the place Rama sent Hanuman to get medicinal herbs required to save Laxman’s life. According to legend, Hanuman then carried the mountain to its current spot.

On top of the mountain lies the temple that is said to have the imprints of Lord Rama’s feet. The temple is located 3 kilometres from Rameshwaram and is said to be the highest viewing point in Rameshwaram.

• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

Rameshwaram is known for being a spot that attracts pilgrims from all over the world because of its rich history and religious significance. Its temples add to its sacred culture. Visiting these temples will leave you with a sense of spirituality and tranquillity.