Agni Teertham is the first outdoor water body located in the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple complex. This Teertham is located in a corner of the sea and unlike other Teertham, it is not tank-like and is located within the temple. According to a legend, Lord Rama took a bath in this part of the sea after killing Ravana. Lord Rama wanted to prostrate after killing a Brahmin to bathe here. Therefore, it is believed that the Hindu pilgrims who take a bath here, all their sins are washed away. The journey of Rameshwaram begins with a bath in this Teertham. Being a pilgrimage center, pilgrims take special care of the cleanliness at the Agni Teertham Rameshwaram.
Agni Teertham is one of the 64 sacred baths that are present in Rameshwaram. It is considered as a significant Teertham of all and is visited by tourists from around the world in large numbers. Being the only Teertham that is located on the beach and outside of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple.
Legends and Mythologies
Agni Teertham Rameshwaram has a meaning in the Sanskrit language, the word Agni means fire, and the word Teertham means holy water. In ancient mythology scripts such as Skanda Purana, Narada Purana, and Sethu Purana. The name of the Agni Teertham has been stated numerous times. And among the Hindu mythological legend, the Teertham described as the pilgrimage of significant importance among the Hindus. The devotees visiting the Teertham offer their prayers to the deity.
There are two legends related to the Agni Teertham. As per the first legend, Lord Rama took bath in the holy waters of the Agni Teertham to get rid of the sin of killing Ravana. Ravana was a half Brahmin and killing Brahmin was considered a sin. And according to the second legend, when Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya along with his brother Lakshmana, Goddess Sita had passed the test of Agni Pariksha to prove her chastity to Lord Rama. In spite of her sitting in the fire, she was not hurt. Afterward, Lord Agni took bath in the sea and wash his sin, as he had touched Goddess Sita at the time of Agni Pariksha. He also offered prayers to Lord Shiva. Hence this place is known as Agni Teertham.
It is very auspicious to take bath in the holy waters of the Agni Teertham Rameshwaram. Before the start of the pilgrimage to Rameshwaram. If you take bath during the new moon and full moon days is considered even more auspicious.
How to Reach Agni Teertham Rameshwaram
The closest railway station is the Rameshwaram railway station, from there you can reach the Agni Teertham. By hiring a taxi or an auto or a horse cart. There are also local buses that can be used to reach the destination. The buses are the affordable mode of transport.
Best time to visit Agni Teertham Rameshwaram
The preferable time to take the dip at Agni Teertham is from 7:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the evening. The weather in the Rameshwaram remains tropical throughout the year while the best time to visit the temple is during the winter season when the weather remains favorable for the sightseeing tour.
Places to visit Agni Teertham Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram is dotted with a large number of tourist places. The famous places to visit near the Agni Teertham during the Rameshwaram trip are Rameshwaram Temple, Dhanushkodi Temple, Pamban Bridge, Dhanushkodi Beach, and many more.
Agni Teertham, Rameshwaram Timings: 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Agni Teertham, Rameshwaram Entry Fees: Nil
