Tirth Yatra GuideRameshwaram jyotirlinga
Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu: the story, the temple and what to know before you go.
About Rameshwaram
- Place
- Pamban island, linked to the mainland by the Pamban bridge
- District and state
- Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu
- Deity
- Shiva, as a jyotirlinga (a column of light)
Rameshwaram is both a jyotirlinga of Shiva and one of the four Char Dham. The story, from the Ramayana, is that Rama, before crossing to Lanka, or on his return, established a lingam of sand made by Sita, which is the one worshipped here; Hanuman brought another from Kailash, and both are worshipped. It is also the place where Rama is said to have built the bridge to Lanka (Ram Setu).
The temple is known for its long pillared corridors, among the longest in India, and for its 22 sacred wells (teerthams) in the temple, in which pilgrims bathe. Pilgrims often bathe in the sea at Agni Theertham before entering the wells.
Getting there and when to go
The Pamban bridge links the island to the mainland by rail and road; Madurai is the nearest large city. The cooler months of October to March are the best.
Read our guide to planning a yatra and the notes on temple etiquette. This is jyotirlinga number 11 in the usual list of twelve; see all twelve.
Previous: Nageshwar · Next: Grishneshwar
Questions people ask
Where is Rameshwaram?
Pamban island, linked to the mainland by the Pamban bridge, in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu.
What is a jyotirlinga?
A jyotirlinga, "lingam of light", is a place where Shiva is believed to have appeared as a column of light. Twelve are named in the Shiva Purana tradition.
Temple rules, opening seasons, booking arrangements and routes change. Before you travel, check the official website of the temple or the state tourism board, and be careful of anyone who asks for money to book darshan or a stay by phone or message. We do not sell tours or packages. Information on this page was last checked in November 2026.