Rameshwar Jyotirlinga - Temple, Story, Significance, and History
The world-famous 12 Jyotirlingas have been given great importance in the scriptures. The seventh Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlingas is located on the Rameswaram island in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. Ram Ram Jyotirlinga. It is proven that by having darshan of the Jyotirlinga situated here and the entire temple, one gets salvation. Also, devotees believe that the holy pond surrounding the temple, known as Agni Theertham, frees a person from sins by entering it. The theory is that Shri Ram had created this tank with his infallible arrows. Let us tell you that this story is related to the burning of Lanka by Lord Shri Ram and the killing of Ravana.
7th Jyotirlinga - Rameshwar
Rameswaram Jyotirlinga, also known as Ramanathaswamy Temple. Located on the island of Rameswaram in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the seventh Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva and is considered one of the holiest places in Hinduism. It is one of the four Dhams and is called the Kashi of the South, equivalent to Kashi of the North.
According to legend, when Lord Shri Ram was about to cross the sea to attack Lanka, he established a Shivalinga to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva. This Shivalinga was established by Shri Ram himself, due to which this place is considered especially sacred. Worshipping at Rameswaram brings the fruits of all the worship and pilgrimages done in Kashi.
Worship of Rameshwar Jyotirlinga leads to the attainment of salvation, the destruction of sins and peace, and spiritual progress in life. This place is also a confluence of Shiva devotion and Ram devotion, which makes it unique from other Jyotirlingas.
Rameshwar Jyotirlinga Story
Rameswaram Temple is associated with Hindu mythology and legends. Similarly, two stories are popular about Rameshwar Jyotirlinga...
First story- According to a mythological story, when Lord Shri Ram returned after killing Ravana and conquering Lanka, he was accused of the sin of Brahmahatya, because Ravana was a Brahmin. To get rid of this sin, Shri Ram discussed with the sages. Then the sages asked Lord Ram to install a Shivling and perform Abhishek.
According to one belief, to get rid of the sin of Brahmahatya, Lord Shri Ram made a Shivling from sand on the southern coast and performed Abhishek. On the other hand, according to another belief, while returning from Lanka, Lord Ram stopped at the seashore of South India. To erase the sin of Brahmahatya, he asked Hanuman to bring a Shivling from the mountain. Bajrangbali was modified late in coming, so Mother Sita mounted a Shivling from sand at the southern coast. And Shri Ram performed his Abhishek.
Lord Shiva was pleased with this and freed Lord Shri Ram from the sin of Brahmahatya. And he sat in the Shivling made of sand. It was called Ramnath or Ramling. The Shivling brought through Hanumanji became known as Vaishwaling. Since then, each of the Shivlings has been worshipped right here. For this reason, Rameswaram is also called Ramanathaswamy Jyotirling.
Second story- According to another story, Lord Rama was searching for a way to Lanka with his brother Laxman, devotee Hanuman, and his army to rescue his wife Sita, imprisoned in Ravana's Lanka. During this time, he reached the south coast of Tamil Nadu. There was a huge sea in the middle of going to Lanka. Which the army had to cross. For this, he built Ram Setu. Rameswaram is believed to be the place where Lord Rama worshiped Lord Shiva before starting the great war against Ravana and sought his blessings and guidance.
In gratitude for Lord Shiva's cooperation, Lord Rama decided to install a lingam (an abstract representation of Lord Shiva) at this place. This lingam is called Swayambhu Lingam, which means that it appeared on its own. It was then called Rameswaram Jyotirlinga. The main structure of this temple was built in the 12th century during the reign of the Pandya dynasty.
Rameshwar Jyotirlinga Significance
Rameswaram is a place of historical importance. It is understood for its religious significance and superb architecture. The temple was built over several centuries by various dynasties, including the Cholas, Pandyas, and Nayaks. The temple complex is famous for its wide corridors, large carved pillars, and tall towers called gopurams. One of the corridors of the temple is more than 1,200 meters long and has about 4,000 pillars. This is a testimony to the skill of ancient Indian craftsmen.
Rameshwar Jyotirlinga History
The Pandavas were the five sons of King Pandu of Hastinapur and his wife Draupadi. They fought against their cousins, the Kauravas, in the epic battle of Kurukshetra, which was a righteous war to uphold dharma (duty). However, they also had to bear the sin of killing their relatives and many innocent people in the war. They decided to undertake pilgrimages to various holy places in India to atone for their sins. One of the places he visited was Rameswaram, where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva after killing Ravana.
The Pandavas also wanted to worship Lord Shiva and are looking for his forgiveness. They reached the temple and saw two Jyotirlingas, one created by Sita and the other brought by Hanuman. They first worshipped the Vishwalinga brought by Hanuman as per Lord Rama's instructions. They then worshipped the Ramalinga created by Sita.
However, when they were about to leave, they heard a divine voice saying that they had not completed their worship. The voice told them that they had to worship another Jyotirlinga hidden beneath the sand close to the seaside. The voice said that this Jyotirlinga was established by Lord Shiva himself when he came to bless Lord Rama after his victory over Ravana. This Jyotirlinga was known as Setumadhava or Sethulinga.
They went to the seashore and dug in the sand. He saw a wonderful Jyotirlinga shining with divine light. He worshipped it with full devotion and felt a sense of peace and joy in his heart. They realised that this was the most powerful and sacred Jyotirlinga among the three at Rameswaram. They thanked Lord Shiva for his grace and mercy and continued their pilgrimage.
About Rameshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
The origin of the Jyotirlinga is centuries old. But the main structure of the temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century during the reign of the Pandya dynasty. The architecture of the temple is a mix of Dravidian and Islamic styles. The principal front of the temple is called the East Gopuram. It stands at a height of 126 feet and is adorned with ornate carvings and sculptures of various deities and divine beings.
Another feature of the temple is that it has very large corridors, called "prakarams". These corridors cover a large area. The pillars and sculptures of the temple have intricate carvings. The temple has a sanctum sanctorum, where the Jyotirlinga is worshipped. Another special feature of the temple is that it has 22 holy wells, also known as "theerthams".
Rameshwar Puja Method
The worship of Rameswaram Jyotirlinga is considered very sacred and special, because this is the same place where Lord Shri Ram had established the Shivling by worshiping Lord Shiva before attacking Lanka. The worship of this Jyotirlinga begins with a sea bath (Agni Tirtha Snan), after which the devotees purify themselves by bathing in the 22 Tirthkunds of the temple complex. Before the worship, Mother Parvati (Gauri) is worshipped, then Ramanathaswamy, i.e., Shivlinga, is worshipped ritually.
Jalabhishek, Panchamrit bath, Bel leaves, flowers, incense sticks, and fruit offerings are offered in the worship. Devotees recite the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra or Shiv Chalisa and, in the end, by performing Aarti, pray to Lord Shiva for peace, prosperity, and salvation in life. If this worship is done with devotion and methodically, then one gets freedom from all sins and attains virtue.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a religious place that is a blend of history, lifestyle, and natural beauty, then Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is the right place for you. This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples in India and one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Located on the Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu, this temple attracts millions of devotees every year. Those who come to seek the blessings of the supreme deity and experience the divine energy of this place. If you want to know about the Temple, Story, Significance, and History of Rameshwar Jyotirlinga, then online astrology consultation.
