Story of Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga | The Pauranik Podcast

 

Among the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Rameshwaram holds a place of unparalleled sanctity. Nestled on the serene island of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, this divine shrine is not only a center of spiritual devotion but also a living memory of one of the greatest episodes in the Ramayana.

It is believed that Lord Ram Himself established the Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, making it a place where divinity, devotion, and dharma unite. The story of how this sacred Lingam came into being is as profound as the temple that now stands in its honor.

When Lord Ram Sought Lord Shiva’s Blessings

After defeating the mighty demon king Ravana and rescuing Mata Sita, Lord Ram — an avatar of Lord Vishnu — wanted to atone for the sin of killing a Brahmin, as Ravana was born a Brahmin despite his cruel deeds.

Filled with humility and dharma, Lord Ram decided to worship Lord Shiva, the destroyer of all sins, to seek purification and peace. He resolved to establish a Shivalinga at the very spot where he stood — on the southern tip of Bharatvarsha — the place now known as Rameshwaram.

The Creation of the Shivalinga

Lord Ram instructed Hanuman to bring a sacred Lingam from the Himalayas. The devoted Hanuman set off at once, leaping across mountains and rivers to fulfill his Lord’s command.

However, the auspicious time for the puja (worship) was nearing, and Hanuman had not yet returned. Not wanting to delay the ritual, Mata Sita — the embodiment of purity and wisdom — created a Shivalinga herself, made from sand, and installed it with deep devotion.

When Hanuman returned with the Lingam from Kailash, he was disappointed to see another already placed. Seeing his beloved devotee upset, Lord Ram lovingly named the first Lingam “Ramalinga” (established by Sita for Ram) and the one brought by Hanuman as “Viswalinga.”

He then declared that the worship at Rameshwaram would begin only after offering prayers to Viswalinga first, thus honoring Hanuman’s devotion forever.

The Spiritual Significance of Rameshwaram

The name “Rameshwaram” itself means “the Lord (Ishwara) of Rama.” It is one of the few places in the world where Vishnu and Shiva are worshipped together in complete harmony — symbolizing unity among the divine forces of creation and destruction.

Rameshwaram is also a sacred site for performing ancestral rites (Pitru Tarpan), as it is believed that the divine vibrations here help liberate souls and cleanse karmic bonds.

Pilgrims often bathe in the 22 holy wells within the temple before offering prayers to Lord Shiva — each representing a sacred teerth (pilgrimage site) of India.

The Eternal Message of Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga

The story of Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga beautifully conveys the essence of Sanatan Dharma — that humility and devotion are greater than power and pride.

Even Lord Ram, the incarnation of Vishnu, bowed before Lord Shiva — teaching humanity that no matter how great we become, surrender to the Divine is the highest virtue.

This sacred tale inspires devotees to walk the path of righteousness (dharma), humility, and service, reminding us that true strength lies in devotion.