Rameshwaram (Ramanathaswamy) Jyotirlinga
రామేశ్వరం
Lord Shiva as Ramanathaswamy · Rameshwaram island, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu
Rameshwaram (Ramanathaswamy) Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 sacred manifestations of Lord Shiva as a self-manifest pillar of light (jyoti-linga). Located in Rameshwaram island, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu. Part of the Char Dham (4 holy abodes). The longest temple corridor in India (1,212 metres). 22 sacred wells (theerthams) — devotees take bath in each before darshan.
Significance
Part of the Char Dham (4 holy abodes). The longest temple corridor in India (1,212 metres). 22 sacred wells (theerthams) — devotees take bath in each before darshan.
Mythological Origin
Lord Rama himself worshipped Shiva here to atone for the killing of Ravana (a Brahmin). Hanuman was sent to fetch a Linga from Kailash but Sita created one from sand in the meantime. Rama installed both — the sand-Linga (Sita's) is worshipped first.
About the 12 Jyotirlingas
The 12 Jyotirlingas are the holiest Shiva pilgrimage sites in India. Per the Shiva Mahapurana, when devotees compete to claim Lord Shiva's primacy, he manifested as an infinite pillar of light (jyoti-stambha) at 12 sacred locations. Devotees visiting all 12 in a single lifetime is one of the highest pilgrimages (Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Yatra). Reciting the 12-line Jyotirlinga Stotra ("Saurashtre Somanatham...") daily is said to grant the merit of physical pilgrimage to all 12.