Ramanathaswamy Temple
இராமநாதசுவாமி கோயில்
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, featuring the longest temple corridor in India at about 1,200 metres and 22 sacred wells, it is one of Hinduism's most important pilgrimage sites.
The temple was first built in the 12th century, but most of its present layout dates from the 17th and 18th centuries, when it was rebuilt by the Ramnad kings. The outer corridor stretches about 1,200 metres. Nearly 4,000 carved stone pillars line the hall in a perfectly aligned perspective, making it the longest temple corridor in India. Pilgrims first bathe in the sea at Agni Theertham, then enter the temple and are doused with holy water at the 22 wells in turn (guides can be hired for a fee). Finally, still wet, they worship the lingam that Rama is said to have installed himself. Non-Hindus may visit the corridor, though the inner sanctum may be off-limits. Mobile phones and cameras must be checked in, and dress should be modest.
Opening hours
05:00–13:00, 15:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- House of Kalam
- Agni Theertham
- Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple
- Gandhamadhana Parvatham (Ramar Padam)
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam National Memorial
- Villoondi Theertham
- Kothandaramaswamy Temple
- Pamban Bridge