Must Visit

Agnitheertham

4.2 / 5 65 votes

Download Free Rameshwaram PDF Guide

Rameswaram | Tamil Nadu | India

Ranked 4 among Places to Visit in Rameswaram

₹ 11,200 onwards (View Rameswaram Packages)

Get Customized Package

View Hotels in Rameswaram

Weather:

Time Required: 2-3 hrs

Timings:

5:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Entry Fee:

Free

Agnitheertham, Rameshwaram Overview

One of the 64 sacred baths in Rameshwaram, the Agnitheertham is one of the most important theertham and receives a large number of tourists each day. Located on the beach side of Sri Ramanathaswamy temple, Agnitheertham is the only theertham sited outside the temple complex.

In the Sanskrit language, the word agni means fire; while the word theertham means holy water. Agnitheertham has been mentioned several times in the ancient texts and mythological legends as a pilgrimage of significant importance among the Hindus. The devotees visiting the theertham offer their prayers to the deity and atone their sins by taking a dip in the holy waters.

Legends associated with Agnitheertham

There are two legends associated with this theertham. According to the first legend, Lord Rama had taken a bath in the holy water of Agnitheertham to atone his sin of killing demon Ravana, who was a half Brahmin. As per the second legend, on her way back to Ayodhya with Lord Rama and Lord Lakshmana, Goddess Sita had to go through Agnipariksha to prove her chastity to Lord Rama. She wasn't hurt despite sitting in the fire. Later though, Lord Agni had to wash away his sin of touching Goddess Sita during the Agnipariksha by taking a bath in the sea and offering prayers to Lord Shiva. This place is presently known as Agnitheertham.

Holy Baths

It is necessary to take a dip in the holy water before starting the pilgrimage to Rameshwaram. To take a bath here on the new moon and full moon days is considered the most auspicious. After the legend of Rama atoning his sins in this very place after killing Ravana, devotees atone their sins by taking a dip in the holy waters of Agnitheertham.

According to some religious beliefs, many devotees come here to pray for children while bathing in the water and offering prayers to Lord Shiva, while some pray for the peace of their ancestors and to perform the last rites of their loved ones.

How to Reach Agnitheertham

The nearest railhead is Rameshwaram, from where one can hire an auto or a horse cart to reach Agnitheertham. One can also use the local buses to get to the destination.

Rameshwaram Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Enchanting Rameshwaram, Kodaikanal, & Madurai

₹ 11,700 onwards

Customize and Get Quotes

CUSTOMIZE & GET QUOTES
Fascinating Rameshwaram, Madurai, & Kanyakumari

₹ 13,099 onwards

Customize and Get Quotes

CUSTOMIZE & GET QUOTES
Romance in Madurai & Rameshwaram

₹ 11,200 onwards

Customize and Get Quotes

CUSTOMIZE & GET QUOTES

View All Packages for Rameshwaram >

See on Google Maps

Top Places to Visit In Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram Temple

Dhanushkodi Temple and Beach

Glass Boat Ride at Pamban Bridge

Agnitheertham

Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge

The Five-faced Hanuman Temple

View All Places To Visit In Rameshwaram >

Top Hotels near Agnitheertham

View Hotels

Hyatt Place Rameswaram

Starting from INR 4,048
Hotel Rameswaram Grand

Starting from INR 2,450
Hotel Nnp Grand

Starting from INR 1,000

View All Hotels near Agnitheertham

Agnitheertham Reviews

9 months ago by Arka Das

It's just next to the temple gate. Near to the ghat launch service is there. For about 30 minutes it takes 60 INR and is open till 5-5:30pm. And from religious angle bath at this ghat is a must. Next to the ghat Changing rooms for women are available at a very reasonable cost. Lockers for keeping ur bags are available on minimum charge of 10INR.