Essential Guide to Agni Theertham in Rameshwaram 2025
Home to several theerthams and temples, Rameshwaram is one of India’s most significant religious places. One of the 64 theerthams or sacred baths in Rameshwaram is Agni theertham. Located on the eastern beach corner of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, this religious site is the only one outside the temple complex, where temple tanks are inside the temple. This theertham has also been mentioned in sacred Hindu texts such as Skanda Purana, Narada Purana and Sethu Purana. So what are you waiting for? Read on to learn everything you need to know about Agni Theertham and reconnect with your soul.
Agni Theertham History
It is because of its deep roots in history and legends that make Agni Theertham what it is. There are two legends associated with this theertham. According to the first legend, Lord Rama had bathed in the holy water of Agnitheertham to atone for his sin of killing the demon Ravana, 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 bathing in the sea and offering prayers to Lord Shiva. This place is presently known as Agnitheertham.
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Things To Do At Agnitheertham
Located on the eastern coast of Rameswaram, Agni Theertham is one of the most sacred places associated with Ramanathaswamy. Here are some things to do at Agni Theertham to make the most of your visit.
- Ritual Bathing: One of the most common things to do at Agni Theertham is to take a ceremonial dip in its holy waters before entering Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is believed that bathing in these holy waters can cleanse the soul of all sins.
- Performing Ancestral Rites: You may also find some people performing ancestral rites and conducting rituals for their departed souls. Devotees perform “Tarpanam” and pray for the peace of their ancestors’ souls.
- Visiting Ramanathaswamy Temple: After bathing in the Agni theertham, you can proceed to Ramanathaswamy Temple for darshan. The temple is one of the most significant in India and is known for its spiritual ambience.
- Witnessing Sunrise and Sunset: The beach at Agni Theertham provides a serene view of the sunrise and sunset, offering a moment of serenity and unparalleled beauty.
Places To Visit Near Agnitheertham
To make the most of your visit to Agni Theertham, you can consider exploring several places nearby. Some of the most popular places to visit near Agni Theertham are mentioned below:
1. Ariyaman Beach
Located on the side of Palk Bay on Rameshwaram Island, Ariyaman Beach is one of the most popular places to visit near Agni Theertham. The beach stretches about 2 kilometres and is known for its gentle waves, shallow waters, and clean sandy shores. So, after you are done exploring the temple and the constant hustle and bustle of its surrounding city, Ariyaman Beach makes for a perfect escape. Here, you can also explore some nearby attractions, such as the marine bio-diversity museum and children’s park, which add to the family-friendly vibe of the place.
Location: Sattakkonvalasai, Tamil Nadu 623516
Distance From Agni Theertham: 30.5 Km
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2. Five-Faced Hanuman Temple
Image Credit: Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple for Wikimedia Commons
The Five-Faced Hanuman Temple is another renowned spiritual site near Agni Theertham. The temple is quite popular due to the belief that it houses a floating stone used to construct the Ram Setu bridge. The temple gets its name from the idol of Lord Hanuman, which has five faces, symbolising his various forms, such as Hanuman, Adivaraha, Narasimha, Hayagriva, and Garuda. The idol of Lord Hanuman is smeared with sindoor, and the temple is a testament to the unwavering faith and devotion observed by the devotees.
Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, near the Ramanathaswamy Temple
Distance From Agni Theertham: 1.8 Km
3. Pamban Bridge
Image Credit: Own work for Wikimedia Commons
Pamban Bridge is an engineering marvel that spans the Palk Strait, connecting the town of Rameshwaram on Pamban Island to mainland India. The bridge is approximately 2.3 kilometres long and proves the architectural prowess of the early 20th century. This iconic structure, with the vast expanse of the sea beneath it and seemingly endless horizons around it, is a transportation route and a tourist attraction, offering breathtaking views and an exhilarating experience to all who travel across it.
Location: Pamban, Tamil Nadu 623519
Distance From Agni Theertham: 16.1 Km
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4. Gandhamadhana Parvatham
Image Credit: Amitabh Patra for Wikimedia Commons
Situated on the island of Pimban, Gandhamadhana Parvatham is a hillock worth exploring near Agni Theertham. According to mythology, Lord Rama is believed to have stood atop this hill to search for his wife, Sita, when Ravana abducted her. Surrounded by verdant meadows and a serene ambience, the panoramic views of this fantastic tourist destination are a sight to behold. The Gandhamadhana Parvatham also houses the Sakshi Hanuman Temple, an important pilgrimage spot for devotees.
Location: Gandhamadana Parvatham, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526
Distance From Agni Theertham: 2.9 Km
5. Abdul Kalam Memorial
Image Credit: Maskaravivek for Wikimedia Commons
If you are a history buff, this is the place for you. The Abdul Kalam Memorial was constructed in honour of the late president of India, Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam. The memorial is situated near the burial site of Dr. Kalam, and it was inaugurated in July 2017 by the Prime Minister of India. The memorial’s architecture reflects the different stages of Dr. Kalam’s life. It is characterised by its modern design, which includes a series of domes and displays that include replicas of rockets and missiles that Dr. Kalam worked on during his career at ISRO and DRDO.
Location: 77QC+793, Dhanushkodi Road, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526
Distance From Agni Theertham: 5.9 Km
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6. Rama Setu
Rama Setu, or Adam’s Bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals that runs between Pamban Island near Rameswaram and Mannar Island in Sri Lanka. Rama Setu holds significant religious value, as it is believed that this was the same bridge that Lord Rama used to reach Lanka and rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. The bridge’s significance transcends centuries and continues to be a point of pilgrimage, environmental study, and tourism curiosity.
Location: Tamil Nadu, India
Distance From Agni Theertham: 24.1 Km
How To Reach
Image Credit: Harshul12345 for Wikimedia Commons
Due to its popularity, reaching Agnitheertham is pretty simple. Agnitheertham is easily accessible via road through various modes of transportation. If travelling by public transport, there are buses to Agnitheertham from Rameshwaram bus stop. From Rameshwaram railway station, tourists can take an auto-rickshaw or even a horse cart to the theertham; buses from here are not frequent. Tourists can also walk to the 6-line, which is only 300 meters away from the railway station. There are buses from here to Agnitheertham.
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Conclusion
Being one of the most sacred places in India, Agni Theertham attracts millions of devotees from worldwide every year. Whether it is to reconnect with their soul or to cleanse themselves of their sins, these holy waters are something more than just tourist spots. So what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to Tamil Nadu today, embark on your journey to one of India’s most sought-after religious places, and bathe in these holy waters at Rameshwaram. Plan your next adventure today!
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FAQs
What is the story of Agni Theertham?
Agni Theertham, a sacred beach near the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram, is believed to be where Lord Rama bathed to cleanse himself of the sin of killing Ravana, a Brahmin, and is a place where devotees take a dip to wash away their sins.
Why is 22 Theertham in Rameshwaram?
The 22 Theerthams in Rameshwaram are believed to represent the 22 arrows used by Lord Rama in battle, and bathing in them is considered a significant pilgrimage ritual, believed to cleanse sins and purify the soul.
What are the benefits of Agnitheertham?
Agni theertham is a sacred place where it is believed that taking a bath can cleanse the soul of its sins.
How many theerthams are there in Rameshwaram?
There are 22 theerthams (holy wells) within the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram, and an additional Agni Theertham located on the beach outside the temple.
What is the significance of the Theertham?
As per Hindu sacred literature, it is referred to as holy water body associated with a temple or deity.
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