RAMANATHASWAMY TEMPLE

The most famous monument of the city is a fine example of late Dravidian architecture. This highly sacred temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, housing one of the holiest shivalinga in the country and giving Rameswaram the nickname of Benares of the South. The Ramanathaswamy temple is famous for its corridors with beautifully carved columns. One of these corridors is the longest in the world: 197 m long (east-west) and 133 m wide (south-north). Built in the 12th century, the temple has been remodeled several times over the years. Its multi-storey gopuram, originally 38.40 m high, now reaches, after additions, 53.60 m. According to legend, Rama sanctified this place by giving thanks to Shiva after the battle of Lanka.

As in Kanyakumari, at the southernmost tip of India, excessively loud music blares out of the temple from about 4:30 am - you are warned about this in case you had the idea to sleep nearby. This is torture for anyone who is not totally deaf, but as usual, the locals don't seem to notice. The faithful come here to be purified by the water of the 22 wells of sacred water, each having particular virtues. For a hundred rupees, a guide will draw the water and pour it 22 times on your head! The entrance to the inner sanctum is reserved for Hindus. On the ghats located at the east of the temple, the pilgrims make their ablutions, early in the morning and at sunset. It is almost like being on the banks of the Ganges.