Rameshwaram Temple

Location:	On an island of Rameswaram in Ramanathpuram district, Tamil Nadu
Dedicated to:	Sri Ramanathaswamy (Lord Shiva)
Attraction:	Twenty two wells
Significance:	One of the twelve Jyotirlingas
How to reach:	One can easily reach Rameswaram Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring taxis from anywhere in Tamil Nadu

Ramanathaswamy Temple is an important pilgrimage site for the followers of Hinduism. It is believed that a visit to this temple washes away one's sins and brings salvation (moksha). Located on an island off the Sethu coast of Rameshwaram, Ramanathaswamy Mandir can be reached via Pamban Bridge across the sea. Being situated in Rameswaram, the shrine is popularly known as Rameshwaram Temple.

Rameswaram is a town in Ramanathpuram district of Tamil Nadu. The town is particularly famous for its religious shrine of Ramanathaswamy. The nearest airport to Rameshwaram is located at Madurai, which lies at a distance of 163 kms. One can easily reach Rameshwaram by taking regular tourist buses or by hiring taxis from all the major cities of Tamil Nadu including Madurai, Chennai and Trichy.

The construction of this temple began in the 12th century; nonetheless it was completed much later, during the reign of various rulers. Rameshwaram Temple is famous for embracing one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (lingam of light) of Lord Shiva. The temple is also accredited for being the southern most 'jyotirlinga' of India. It is believed that at this place Lord Rama offered his gratitude to Lord Shiva.

The Lingam of Ramanathaswamy is the presiding deity of Rameswaram Temple. The religious significance of this shrine has made it, one of the most visited temples of India. Rameshwaram (South) is one of the four major pilgrimage sites of Hindus, the other being Puri (East), Dwarka (West) and Badrinath (north). The main shrine adores the idols of Viswanatha Naicker and Krishnama Naicker.

In the inner section of the Ramalingeshwara, Ramalingam and Vishvalingam are placed side by side. Preserving the words of Lord Rama, Vishvalingam is worshipped before Ramalingam. Maha Shivarathri, Thirukalyanam, Mahalaya Amavasai and Thai Amavasai are the major festivals that are celebrated with gusto and fervor.

Legend
Ramanathaswamy Temple is closely linked with the great epic Ramayana. As per the legend, it is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here, on his victorious return from Sri Lanka. As the legend goes, Sages (Rishis) counseled Lord Rama (along with Sita and Lakshmana) to install and worship the 'Shivalingam' at this place, to compensate the sin of Brahmahatya (killing of a Brahmin). Lord Rama approved the idea and fixed a favorable time for the installation of Shivalingam.

He sent Lord Hanuman (Anjaneya) to bring a 'lingam' from Mount Kailash. Lord Hanuman could not return in time and it was getting late. Apprehending the situation, Sita herself made a 'linga' of sand and Lord Rama installed the same. When Hanuman came back with the 'linga', the formal procedures of installation were over. Lord Rama consoled the disappointed Hanuman and installed his lingam (Visvalingam) next to Ramalinga. He enhanced the sanctity of lingam by ordaining that the rites would be made first to the Visvalingam.

Twenty Two Wells
Ramanathswamy Temple has twenty two wells in its complex. Being the main attraction of this temple, the wells are also recognized with their distinct properties. All of these wells have water of different taste, temperature, salinity and have curative properties as well. It is said that these wells were made by Lord Rama himself, when he fired arrows in the sand.

Architecture 
Stretched over a vast area of 15 acres, Rameswaram Temple is the typical specimen of Dravidian style of architecture. The skyscraping gopurams (spires) truly dominate the skyline of Rameshwaram. The shrine is acknowledged for having the largest temple hallway in India. This pillared corridor extends to 4000 feet in length, embracing more than 4000 pillars. Erected on a raised plinth, granite pillars are intricately carved with beautiful images. A hard fact about this corridor reveals that the rock doesn't belong to the island and it was imported from somewhere across the sea.

Encompassing nine levels, the eastern Rajgopuram (spire) soars to the height of 126 feet. However, the western 'gopuram' is not as high as the eastern 'gopuram', still it is equally captivating. The temple comprises numerous 'mandaps' having small shrines, dedicated to other deities. The colossal image of Nandi (Lord Shiva's Bull) captures the attention, due to its sheer size. It measures 12 feet in its length and 9 feet in its height. High fortifications encircle the temple, making a rectangle along with big pyramidal 'gopura' doorways on every side.

Ranganathaswamy Temple

Location:	Srirangam, Near Trichy, Tamil Nadu
Dedicated to:	Lord Ranganathaswamy
Also known as:	Sri Ranganathar Kovil
Significance:	One of the holy abodes of Lord Vishnu
How to reach:	One can easily reach Ranganathaswamy Temple by taking Regular Buses or by hiring Taxis from anywhere in Tamil Nadu

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is an important shrine where it is believed that the Lord Narayana actually resides. Located at Srirangam in Tamil Nadu, the temple can be reached easily from Trichy. However, regular bus services and private taxis connect the temple from all the major towns and cities of Tamil Nadu. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is considered as the first and foremost amongst the 108 Divya Desams (Holy abodes) of Lord Vishnu.

Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, Sri Rangam Temple is a major shrine that receives millions of visitors and pilgrims every year. Lord Ranganatha is a reclining form of Lord Vishnu on the Shesha Nag. Sri Rangam Temple is also known as Sri Ranganathar Kovil. In the Tamil Language, "Kovil" stands for temple and it is used by many Vaishnavites. The presiding deity of Lord Ranganatha is extolled by various names like Nam-Perumal and Azhagiya Manavalan by his devotees.

Apart from the main shrine of Ranganathar, the temple has several shrines dedicated to various forms of Lord Vishnu like Sakrathazhvar, Narasimha and Rama. In the company of these, there are numerous shrines that are dedicated to some of the renowned saints of the Vaishnava cult. From morning to evening, the temple observes various worship rituals every day. People from all over the globe come to Srirangam Mandir to pay their obeisance to the Lord.

The temple has been mentioned in Tamil literature of the Sangam Era, however the oldest structure of the temple dates back to the 10th century. Encompassing around 247 'pasurams' (hymns) to its credit, Ranganathaswamy Temple has been praised by all the Alwars (Divine saints of Tamil Bhakti movement). Scholars from all schools of thought (Advaita, Vishistadvaita and Dvaita) have identified the importance of this temple despite their affiliation.

The history of the temple is not clearly known, but the archeological inscriptions are obtainable only from the 10th century. As per the Vaishnava philosophy, Sri Ranganathar Kovil is one amongst the eight Svayam Vyakta Kshetras (Self-manifested shrines) of Lord Vishnu, other being Srimushnam, Venkatadri, Saligramam, Naimisaranyam, Totadri, Pushakara and Badrinath. Out all of then, Sri Rangam is of utmost importance.

Festivals 
The occasion of Vaikunta Ekadesi is the main festival at Ranganathaswamy Temple. In the month of Panguni, Aadi Bharam mahotsavam is the major festival that is observed at Sri Rangam Temple. Another festival of Adhyayanotsavam, in the month of Margazhi, is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Architecture 
The huge temple complex covers an area 156 acres (6, 31,000 m²) with a perimeter of 1,116m (10,710 feet). Having one of the largest temple complexes in India, Sri Rangam Temple is regarded as one of the biggest functioning Hindu temple in the world. Seven concentric walls, which lengthen to 32,592 feet, mark the boundary of this temple.

The striking architecture of the temple spell bounds the onlooker with its charm. Comprising 21 Gopurams (towers), the sheer size of the temple appears awe-inspiring. Apart from other magnificent structures, "Hall of 1000 pillars" gathers the main attraction. It is an excellent example of planned-theatre like structure. Opposite to it, there lies "Sesha Mandap" with its best sculptures.

Shore Temple

Location:	Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Built in:	7th century
Dedicated to:	Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu
Attraction:	One of the earliest structural temples in South India
Significance:	Listed as World Heritage Site
How to reach:	One can easily reach Shore Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring Taxis from anywhere in Tamil Nadu

Shore Temple is a standing testimonial to the regal heritage of India. Located at Mahabalipuram, Shore Temples can easily be reached by taking regular buses or by hiring taxis from anywhere in Tamil Nadu. The nearest airport is located at Chennai that lies at a distance of 60 kms from Mahabalipuram. One of the most photographed monuments in India, Shore Temple is a structural monument on the shores of Bay of Bengal.

Built in the 7th century, Shore Temple depicts the royal taste of Pallava dynasty. During the reign of Rajasimha, the temple saw its construction when Pallava art was at its apex. Ravaged by wind and sea, the temple has witnessed the historical events of India. This work of genius was recognized and listed amongst the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Shore Temple comprises three shrines, where the prominent ones are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. In the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), an image of Shivalinga embraces the site. At the rear end, one can find two shrines facing each other. Here, one shrine is dedicated to Ksatriyasimnesvara and other to Lord Vishnu. In the shrine, Lord Vishnu is imaged reclining on the 'Seshanag', which is a symbol of consciousness in Hinduism.

The exterior wall of the shrine to Lord Vishnu and the internal side of the boundary wall are elaborately carved and sculptured. The images on the sculpted panels depict scenes from everyday life. However, the sculptures are incredibly real and artistic. The exterior walls of the temple are segregated by plasters into bays, where the lower part has been impressed into a series of nurturing lions. The archeological department has excavated certain other figures from the site.

Shore Temple is no more a living temple. The structure of the temple makes one to contemplate and perhaps, it was erected basically as a work of art. The Pallavas were known to be the great patrons of art and were keen to create their own style of temple architecture. In the present day, Shore Temple makes the background of Mahabalipuram Dance Festival that is held in Jan /Feb every year. The festival was organized to promote the traditional dance as well as tourism in Mahabalipuram.

Architecture
Shore Temple is also acknowledged for being the first stone structure made by Pallavas. Before this, the monuments used to be carved out of the rocks or stones. Unlike other monuments of the region, Shore Temple is a five-storied rock-cut structural temple more willingly than monolithical. In southern India, this is one amongst the earliest and most important structural temples. The spire is extensively decorated with carvings and sculptures. In the recent years, a stone wall has been constructed to protect the shrine from further sea-erosion.

Perched on a 50 feet square plinth, the pyramidal structure raises to the extent of 60 feet. Presenting a typical specimen of Dravidian temple architecture, Shore Temple generates an exclusive combination of history and natural splendor. The temple was designed to grasp the first rays of the rising sun and to spotlight the waters after sunset. In the words of Percy Brown, Shore Temple served as "a landmark by day and a beacon by night".