Must Visit

Agnitheertham

4.2 / 5 65 votes

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Rameswaram | Tamil Nadu | India

Ranked 3 among Places to Visit in Rameswaram

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Weather:

Ideal Time: 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.

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Agnitheertham Reviews

7 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.