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Rameswaram, a revered pilgrimage site, embodies the profound story of Lord Rama's devotion and the divine manifestations of Lord Shiva, culminating in the creation of the sacred Jyotirlinga.

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Characters in the story:

Lord Rama: Lord Rama is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism and is the seventh avataar of Lord Vishnu. He is known for his virtues of righteousness, courage, and devotion, and is considered a symbol of ideal human behavior and the victory of good over evil.

Lord Shiva: Lord Shiva holds significant prominence in Hinduism as a prominent deity, revered for his role as the vanquisher of malevolence and the catalyst of universal change. Depicted in various forms, he is often portrayed as a tranquil ascetic engaged in deep meditation or as the divine dancer, adorned with a third eye, an entwined serpent around his neck, and a trident grasped firmly in his hand.

Mata Sita: Mata Sita is the wife of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. She is regarded as an epitome of feminine virtues and is worshiped as a goddess by many.

Hanuman: Hanuman is a revered deity in Hinduism, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and his incredible strength, symbolizing courage, loyalty, and selflessness.

Rameswaram, a cherished destination for Hindu pilgrims, holds a special place as the abode of the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, consecrated and revered by Lord Rama himself. This sacred site is a significant haven for followers of both Vishnu and Shiva, ranking among the four principal Hindu pilgrimages.

According to one rendition of the story, Lord Rama, upon returning from Lanka after vanquishing the demon king Ravana, halted at this location to offer worship to Lord Shiva. Seeking redemption for the act of slaying Ravana, who was both a Brahmin and a devoted follower of Shiva, Lord Rama beseeched Lord Shiva through prayers.

As there was no Shiva temple at this place, Rama dispatched Hanuman to Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva’s celestial abode, to retrieve a linga. However, due to the delay in Hanuman’s return, Sita, the divine consort of Rama, crafted a shivalinga out of sand – the Ramalingam – which Rama worshipped.

Upon Hanuman’s belated return, he found the worship already underway. To pacify Hanuman, Rama consecrated the shivalinga brought by Hanuman as the Vishwalingam and directed devotees to revere the Vishwalingam before the Ramalingam. Both of these revered lingas are enshrined within the precincts of the Rameshwaram temple.

In an alternate narrative, while journeying towards Lanka, Rama reached the ocean and experienced thirst. He requested his brother Lakshmana to summon the vanaras (monkey warriors) to fetch water. The vanaras swiftly presented Rama with pure, refreshing water.

As Rama was about to drink, he paused, realizing he hadn’t yet paid homage to Lord Shiva. Using sand, Rama fashioned a shivalinga and embarked on a profound worship of Lord Shiva, meticulously observing all the rituals. He sang praises, recited mantras, meditated, and danced with unwavering devotion.

With utmost reverence and devotion, Rama sought the assistance of the Supreme Lord. He acknowledged Ravana’s power, fueled by divine blessings, but recognized the arrogance it had bred. Facing the daunting task of defeating Ravana and his vast dominion with his army of vanaras, Rama implored for divine intervention. He highlighted his own devotion and pleaded for the Supreme Lord’s support in this crucial endeavor.

The sincerity of Rama’s plea deeply moved Lord Shiva. Manifesting alongside Devi Parvati and his attendants, Lord Shiva stood before Rama and conveyed his blessings upon him, wishing him might and triumph in his upcoming endeavors against the formidable King Ravana.

With profound respect, Rama humbly implored Lord Shiva to remain in this place, contributing to the advancement of humanity and the cleansing of the world. Granting his request, Shiva manifested as the Jyotirlinga, destined to become renowned worldwide as Rameswaram.

Historical accounts reveal that the ancient shrine resided within a thatched hut until the 12th century. The masonry work was reportedly initiated by Parakrama Bahu of Sri Lanka, while the remainder of the temple was constructed by the Setupathy rulers of Ramanathapuram. The current architectural configuration of the temple is attributed to the 17th century AD. Over time, the temple has garnered the patronage of several noble families hailing from Travancore, Ramanathapuram, Mysore, and Pudukkottai, all of whom have contributed to its present-day splendor.

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