Rameshwaram : A testimony of faith and hope
- Priyanka Kurup
- Mar 3, 2024
- 3 min read
Rameshwaram Jyotirling, an architectural wonder, lies on the South-Eastern coast of India in Tamil Nadu. It juts out into the Bay of Bengal with a panoramic view of the Bay. As the name suggests, the Shivaling inside the temple was worshipped by Lord Rama himself when he was quite distressed after the abduction of his wife Sita by the king of Lanka-Ravan.
In accordance with the Ramayana, Lord Rama was in exile accompanied by his wife and brother Lakshmana. Hence, when Maa Sita was abducted, he had no support or an army to fight the mighty Ravan to bring Sita back.While scouring the jungles of Kishkindha (present day in Karnataka),crestfallen and directionless, Lord Rama met Lord Hanuman. After meeting Shree Ram and hearing about Maa Sita’s abduction,Hanuman took Lord Rama to meet the king of the Vanarsena - Sugriva. King Sugriva offered to help Lord Rama, in return Lord Rama killed his brother Bali, who had usurped the throne from Sugriva. The entire Vanarsena along with Lord Hanuman and Sugriva was offered at Lord Rama’s disposal to find Maa Sita.
The location of Lanka was then unknown to anyone, hence, the Vanars were sent in all four directions of India to find the kingdom of Lanka.Subsequently, Maa Sita’s crest-jewel was found on the south eastern coast of India and it was asserted that beyond the vast ocean lay the kingdom of Lanka.
Lord Rama with his brother Lakshmana, Lord Hanuman and the entire Vanarsena reached the coast overlooking the mighty ocean. He was in complete despair wondering how on earth would he get the Vanarsena across the ocean. Ravan, the uplifter of Kailash, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, was a mighty king commanding a humongous army. Standing on the sea shore,Lord Rama looked across the ocean contemplating the strategy of rescuing Maa Sita from the clutches of Ravan.The other brave Vanar named Angad and Lakshmana tried to appease him.
Suddenly, desirous of drinking water,Lord Rama requested his brother Lakshmana to tell one of the Vanars to fetch some water for him to drink.The Vanars presented before Lord Rama the sweetest and the most refreshing water to drink. Before he drank,Lord Rama remembered that he had not performed his daily puja of his beloved Lord Shiva as was his custom before partaking of any food or drink. So,before he drank the water, Rama made an earthen Shivaling and worshipped it with all the rituals and eulogised Lord Shiva’s greatness and kindness. He was troubled in his heart and prayed to Lord Shiva for his blessings to help him get through these difficult times and to achieve triumph over Ravan.
Lord Shiva, always subservient to his devotees was elated with Lord Rama and his worship. He appeared in his sublime form and enquired of Lord Rama, his beloved devotee, the reason for his distress.Lord Rama expressed his concerns about getting the Vanarsena across the ocean and defeating king Ravan and getting his wife Sita back.He eulogised Lord Shiva again and again with his palms joined in reverence and his head bowed.Lord Shiva blessed Lord Rama that he would be victorious in the war against Ravan. Hearing this, Lord Rama was filled with a new-vigour and faith.Overwhelmed by his love for Lord Shiva, Rama implored him to stay back for the happiness and benefit of the people. Complying with his ardent devotee’s wishes, Lord Shiva manifested himself as the Rameshwar Jyotirling.
It is by the favour of Lord Shiva that Lord Rama could cross the ocean, get his beloved wife back and defeat Ravana.Rameshwaram Jyotirling is said to quell the sins of all those who visit the shrine or listen to its narration with devotion.
Har Har Mahadev🙏
Comments