Rameshwaram Mahadeva temple in Kollam district is believed to be the humble abode where Lord Rama had worshipped Mahadeva facing west, thus the name “Rameshwaram” came into existence. It is among the two Rameshwaram temples in 108 Shivalaya Soothram located in Kerala. One being this temple and the other is Amaravila Rameshwaram Sri Mahadeva Temple, Trivandrum.
According to the historical inscriptions and documents from the archive, it can be estimated that the temple is more than 1100 years old. It is said that a Tamil merchant, Navakodi Narayanan Chettiyar, has built five Shiva temples in Kollam, Anandavalleswaram, Manaleeswaram, Rameswaram, Chittadeeswaram and Trikkapaleeswaram.
The temple facing west has two towers or gopurams on the north and west sides, respectively. Distinct from the other Rama temples, this one has no nalambalam (four temples dedicated to Lord Rama and his brothers), there is long-stretching mathil or wall that goes all around the kovil compound.
The temple is quite famous for its artistic wooden sculptures and stone decorations. The temple is administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board, who oversees the poojas and other offerings. The annual festival in Rameshwaram temple is an 8-day long festival that ends with arattu on thiruvathira day of Makaram (January- February).
Among the famous legends relating to the temple, there is a distinguishing one about the Venad King, Ramavarma, the beginning of Malayalam era and the rise of Kollam city as the capital of Venad Kingdom. Visit Rameshwaram Temple to see the remarkable ancient architecture built in Pandian, Dravidian style.
Contact Details
Rameswaram Mahadeva Temple
Thangassery East, Thangassery,
Kollam, Kerala 691007
