Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram: Timings, VIP Darshan Tickets & Online Booking

Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram Timings VIP Darshan Tickets & Online Booking

Located in Rameshwaram, Ramanathaswamy temple is a renowned jyotirlinga temple in south India. Being also a part of the char dham circuit in India, this magnificent temple attracts thousands of devotees every year. The rameshwaram jyotirlinga temple is believed to be the place where Lord Rama worshipped his adore “Lord Shiva” to get rid of his sin of killing Shiva’s greatest devotee “Ravana”. Following the same ritual, people from across the world visit Ramanathaswamy temple to get rid of their sins by seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings.

So if you’re also planning to visit Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameshwaram, read this detailed guide that covers everything from temple timings, vip and spatika lingam darshan, and entry fees to step by step online darshan booking procedure, the best time to visit Rameshwaram and How to reach the temple.

Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram: Timings

Sri Ramanathaswamy temple opens daily at 4:00 am, however the darshan for devotees starts at 5:00 am in the morning. The temple remains open until 9:00 PM.

Below table shows detailed breakdown of temple timings.

Events

Timings

Temple Open

4:00 AM

Morning Darshan

5:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Break

1:00 to 3:00 PM

Evening Darshan

3:00 to 8:00 PM

Temple Closes

9:00 PM

Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram Darshan Tickets & Prices

Below are different types of darshan tickets available at the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram with its cost.

Ticket Type

Cost

General Darshan

Free

Spadika Linga Darshan

₹ 50

Quick or VIP Darshan

₹ 200

Swamy Sannathi Special Darshan

₹ 100


Ramanathaswamy temple darshan in Rameshwaram

1. General Darshan

It is regular darshan available at Rameshwaram Temple which  is free of cost and open to all devotees throughout the day. It follows the temple’s standard darshan timings and usually involves waiting in longer queues, especially during peak hours. Despite the wait, it offers a deeply spiritual experience for those who prefer the traditional way of seeking blessings.

2. Spatika Lingam Darshan

The Spatika Lingam in Rameshwaram is a rare and sacred crystal lingam that is worshipped during the early morning hours. Spatika darshan is available daily from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM, just after the temple opens. Devotees believe that witnessing the Spatika Lingam during Brahma Muhurta brings peace, clarity, and divine blessings. The ticket for spatika lingam darshan usually costs around ₹50 per person, and can be booked at the temple counter. 

3. Quick or VIP Darshan: 

Also known as Swamy Sannathi Quick Entrance Darshan, this is a type of darshan for devotees looking to avoid long queues. It offers faster access to the main sanctum of the Ramanathaswamy Temple. This option is perfect for those with time constraints or elderly pilgrims. The darshan is available throughout the day during temple hours, from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with short breaks for pooja and rituals. The Rameshwaram temple vip darshan will cost you ₹200, depending on availability. 

4. Swamy Sannathi Special Darshan

It is a special darshan ticket option for Rameshwaram temple that offers a more peaceful and comfortable experience, especially useful during peak seasons or weekends. With separate entry lines and better crowd control, devotees get ample time to offer prayers and enjoy a deeper spiritual connection. Available during general darshan hours, the special darshan ticket costs around ₹100 per person.

Online Darshan Booking For Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram: Step by Step Process

Planning a spiritual journey to the sacred Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga Temple? To avoid long queues and ensure a smooth darshan, devotees are encouraged to use the Rameshwaram temple online booking facility. Whether you’re planning for the peaceful Darshan of Spatika Lingam in Rameshwaram, or planning to bathe in 22 wells, or seeking a faster VIP darshan, the online mode makes it all easy. 

Here’s the step by step procedure to book your Rameshwaram temple darshan tickets online:

Ramanathaswamy temple official website_step 1 rameshwaram darshan booking

Step 1: Visit the official Rameshwaram temple site of Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple.

Step 2: Log in using your existing credentials. If you’re new, simply create an account with your basic details.

Step 3_Rameshwaram Darshan Booking_Click on e-services

Step 3: On the homepage, click on the “Temple Booking Services” tab, then choose the “e-Services” option.

Step 4-Types of Darshan Tickets At Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameshwaram

Step 4: From the available list, select your preferred darshan – options include general darshan, Spatika Linga Darshan, or special and VIP entries.

Step 5 Rameshwaram Temple Darshan Booking- Choose time slot and dateStep 5: Choose your date and time slot based on availability. Note that Rameshwaram Spatika Linga Darshan timings usually begin early, around 5:00 AM.

Step 6_Rameshwaram Darshan Booking_Enter Personal Details

Step 6: Click on the “Book” button. A form will appear – fill in your name, gender, contact number, and address.

Step 7: Enter the captcha, accept the terms & conditions, and click “Submit.”

Step 8: You’ll be redirected to the payment page. Choose payment mode and pay online.

Step 9:  Once the transaction is successful, your Rameshwaram darshan ticket will be sent to your registered mobile number and email ID.

Alternative Booking Methods:

  • Counter Booking: Visit the booking counter at the entrance of Ramanthaswamy temple.
  • Phone Support: +91 4563 242 223

Tips for Devotees Visiting Ramanathaswamy Temple For the First-Time:

Tips for Devotees Visiting Ramanathaswamy Temple
  1. Reach a Day Before: Arrive the previous night to attend early morning rituals like the Spatika Lingam Darshan (5:00 AM–6:00 AM).

  2. Dress Code: Respect the Rameshwaram temple dress code by wearing modest Indian attires. Men are advised to wear dhotis or pyjamas with a shirt, while women can opt for sarees or churidars for a respectful temple visit.

  3. What to Carry: Bring dry clothes, waterproof pouches for money/phone.

  4. What not to Carry: Avoid carrying leather items, cameras, or phones into the sanctum — mobiles and electronics are not allowed inside the sanctrum.

  5. Spatika Lingam Darshan: Buy a ₹50 special ticket for this rare early morning darshan of the crystal Shiva Lingam gifted by Adi Shankaracharya.

  6. Holy Dips: After mani darshan, take a dip at Agni Theertham and then proceed for the 22 wells ritual (₹25 ticket). Changing rooms are available but with basic facilities.

  7. Main Temple Darshan: After changing into dry clothes, visit the main temple. Again, ₹50 ticket helps with quicker darshan. Only Hindus are allowed into the sanctum.

  8. Mobility Note: The temple has long walking paths (2–3 km) and wet floors, which can be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. Panda support is helpful here.

  9. Hiring a Panda: Local guides (pandas) can help you skip queues, manage your belongings, and guide you through 22 wells, baths, Agni Theertham, and darshan. They usually charge ₹200–₹250 per person but are optional.

Best Time To Visit Rameshwaram For Ramanathaswamy Temple Darshan:

The best time to visit Rameshwaram for a peaceful and fulfilling Ramanathaswamy Temple darshan is between October and March. The weather during these months is pleasant and suitable for temple rituals, sightseeing, and long queues. Early mornings, especially during weekdays, offer a calm spiritual experience with fewer crowds.

Avoid visiting during peak summer (April to June), as temperatures soar and humidity makes darshan physically tiring. Festival seasons like Maha Shivaratri, Thai Amavasai, and Navratri attract large crowds — though spiritually vibrant, they come with longer wait times.

How to Reach Ramanathaswamy Temple

Reaching Rameshwaram is easy as the temple town is well-connected by road, rail, and air:

By Train:

Rameshwaram Railway Station is just 1.5 km from the temple. Trains are constantly running from major cities including Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore. Taxis and autos are easily available outside the station and will take you to the Ramanathaswamy temple.

By Road:

You can take state buses or drive from nearby cities like Madurai (170 km), Kanyakumari, or Trichy.

By Air:

The nearest airport is Madurai Airport (approx. 170 km). From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Rameshwaram.

Once in Rameshwaram, local autos and e-rickshaws make it easy to reach the Ramanathaswamy Temple and other nearby attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rameshwaram Temple Darshan

The Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram was originally built in the 12th century by King Kizhavan Sethupathi of the Pandya dynasty. However, different rulers including the Sethupathis of Ramanathapuram contributed to its expansion over several centuries. The temple is famous for its long corridors and is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India.

Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is accessible with all means of transport i.e., road, rail, and air. The nearest railway station is Rameswaram Railway Station, just 1.5 km away from the temple. If you’re flying in, the closest airport is Madurai Airport, about 170 km from Rameshwaram. You can also reach the temple by bus, car, or taxi from nearby cities like Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, or Kanyakumari. For convenience, search “how to reach Rameshwaram temple” on maps or travel apps.

Mani Darshan in Rameshwaram refers to the sacred viewing of the “Mani” or glowing gemstone, believed to be associated with Lord Shiva. It is shown to devotees only early in the morning from 5:00 to 6:00 am, and witnessing it is considered extremely auspicious.

The darshan duration at Rameshwaram Temple depends on the time and day of your visit. On weekdays or off-season, general darshan may take 30 minutes to 1 hour. During weekends, holidays, or festivals, the wait can go up to 2–3 hours. You can reduce the wait by booking Rameshwaram temple VIP darshan or special darshan tickets online.

The Spatika Linga Darshan at Rameshwaram is a special early morning ritual where devotees can see and worship the sacred crystal Shiva Lingam. The darshan usually takes place between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM before regular darshan hours. It is believed that Spatika Lingam in Rameshwaram has high spiritual energy and blesses devotees with peace and clarity.

To book your darshan, visit the official Rameshwaram temple site and use the Rameshwaram temple online booking option. After logging in or signing up, choose “e-services” and select your desired darshan type (General, Special, or VIP). Pick your date and time slot, fill in the required details, and make the payment. Your Rameshwaram darshan ticket will be sent to your registered email and phone number.

Yes, direct darshan (also known as General Darshan) is available and free of cost for all devotees. However, during peak times, the queues can be long. For a faster experience, you can opt for Rameshwaram temple special darshan tickets or VIP darshan through online booking.

 

The 22 Wells Bath at Rameshwaram Temple is a sacred ritual where devotees bathe in water drawn from 22 holy wells located within the temple premises. It is believed that this purifying bath washes away sins and is a key part of the pilgrimage before Rameshwaram temple darshan. The Rameshwaram 22 wells bath timings usually begin from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, right after the temple opens. Devotees can hire local temple helpers or guides who help pour water from each well over you, and the average cost for the service ranges from ₹150 to ₹250 per person, depending on availability and crowd. This ritual is highly recommended before taking Spatika Linga Darshan or participating in any pooja at the temple.

As soon as you check in at your hotel, local guides or pandas may approach you. While hiring them is optional, they can be genuinely helpful for first-timers. They’ll guide you through temple rituals, carry your belongings, help you skip queues, and ensure you don’t miss important stops like the 22 Wells Bath or Agni Teertham. If you’re on a budget, you can manage without them too by following signs and asking temple volunteers.