Five-Faced Hanuman Temple, Rameshwaram

The Five-Faced Hanuman Temple is perhaps the most popular temple in Rameshwaram after the Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple. The idols of Lord Rama, his consort Sita and Hanuman have been established in the temple. These idols were brought from Dhanushkodi to this temple during the 1964 cyclone that destroyed much of Dhanushkodi village.

Interestingly, it is believed that their souls are inside their idols. This is one reason the temple is frequently visited by devotees from all over the country. Another interesting feature of the temple is the floating stone placed right outside the temple. This stone is believed to be a part of the bridge, which was built by Hanuman and his monkey army in order to reach Lanka to rescue Sita from the clutches of Ravana.

Legend has it that it was at this place that Hanuman showed all of his five faces or forms. He was also decorated with senthooram or vermilion at this place by Lord Rama.