Daily Hindu Panchang
Where Lord Ram worshipped Shiva
Rameswaram is a Char Dham and a Jyotirlinga site. The Ramanathaswamy temple is known for its long corridors and 22 sacred wells. Dhanushkodi lies at the end of the island.
| Place | Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu |
|---|---|
| Known as | Jyotirlinga · Char Dham |
| Best time | October to March. Summers are hot and humid. |
| Time needed | 1 to 2 days |
| Nearest railway | Rameswaram |
| Nearest airport | Madurai |
Rameswaram is an island at the tip of Tamil Nadu and one of the Char Dham. It is the place where Lord Ram is said to have worshipped Shiva before crossing to Lanka. The Ramanathaswamy Temple is famous for its long corridors and the 22 holy wells inside it.
The ritual here is to bathe in the sea at Agni Theertham and then in each of the 22 wells, before darshan. A visit is easy in one day, but two lets you see Dhanushkodi and Pamban Bridge.
The island is reached by the Pamban Bridge from the mainland. The main sights are the temple and the sea shore. Dhanushkodi is about 20 km from the temple and is reached by road.
How many days do you have? Pick one and the plan changes.
A quick pilgrim day.
A relaxed trip.
A classic Tamil Nadu temple trip.
South India yatra.
A slower, longer trip.
A Jyotirlinga-like temple with one of the longest temple corridors in India, with rows of carved pillars. Pilgrims take a sea bath at Agni Theertham and then bathe in the temple wells before darshan.
Local tip: Carry dry clothes and a plastic bag for wet ones.
The sea shore opposite the temple where pilgrims begin the rites.
Local tip: Go early morning.
The ruined town at the southern tip, destroyed by a cyclone in 1964. The sand and sea meet in a narrow strip and the view is wide.
Local tip: Go in the morning and carry water.
The old railway bridge and the new road bridge over the sea. The view of the sea and the vertical-lift span is memorable.
Local tip: Stop at the viewpoint.
A small hill with footprints of Ram, and a good view of the island.
Local tip: Short stop.
| October to March | Pleasant. |
|---|---|
| April to June | Hot and humid. |
| Monsoon (Oct to Dec) | Rain and cyclones are possible. Check the forecast. |
| Maha Shivaratri | Very busy. |
Many hotels and lodges near the temple. Book early in winter.
Fresh south Indian vegetarian meals. The island is also known for seafood.
Check the dates for this year on our festival calendar, and choose a shubh time using the muhurat pages.
Darshan timings, booking rules and road conditions change, so confirm them with the temple trust or local authority before you travel.
One day for the temple and Dhanushkodi. Two if you want to relax.
Sacred wells inside the temple where pilgrims bathe before darshan.
Yes, up to the point the road allows. Follow local advice.
October to March.
October to March. Summers are hot and humid.
Plan 1 to 2 days.
The nearest railway station is Rameswaram. The nearest airport is Madurai. Check current road and train timings before you travel.
Maha Shivaratri; Ram Navami; Aadi Amavasya.
On 13 November 2026, the tithi is Shukla Chaturthi and Rahu Kaal is 10:29 AM to 11:57 AM, worked out for Rameswaram's own sunrise.
The grand pillared corridor of Ramanathaswamy Temple: rajaraman sundaram, CC BY 3.0, source.
