22 Theerthams
Complete Guide 2026
Bath order · Sacred well names · Timings · Dress code · Ritual tips — everything you need for a spiritually perfect visit to Ramanathaswamy Temple.
Quick Answer
The 22 Theerthams at Ramanathaswamy Temple are sacred wells inside the temple where devotees bathe before darshan. Pilgrims first take a sea dip at Agni Theertham, then complete bathing in all 22 wells in sequence. The ritual takes about 1–2 hours and is best done early morning between 5:30–8:30 AM.
Introduction
The 22 Theerthams Complete Guide is essential for every devotee visiting Ramanathaswamy Temple in 2026. Whether you are planning a Jyotirlinga darshan, performing Pitru rituals, or undertaking a sacred pilgrimage to Rameswaram, understanding the 22 holy wells inside the temple is spiritually and practically important.
Each of the 22 Theerthams (sacred water wells) holds unique spiritual significance, and tradition says bathing in them washes away sins and purifies the soul before Lord Shiva's darshan. Despite being close to the sea, the water in these wells tastes surprisingly sweet and varies in temperature and texture — a phenomenon that has intrigued pilgrims for centuries.
This 2026 updated guide is specially created for families, senior citizens, spiritual seekers, and temple visitors who want clear, structured, and locally informed guidance on completing the 22 Theertham ritual smoothly and respectfully.
What Are the 22 Theerthams?
The 22 Theerthams are sacred water wells located within the temple corridors of Ramanathaswamy Temple. According to temple tradition and Hindu scriptures, each well contains water with distinct spiritual and medicinal properties.
Despite being close to the sea, the water in these wells tastes surprisingly sweet and varies in temperature and texture from well to well — a phenomenon that has fascinated pilgrims for centuries.
Step-by-Step: Complete the 22 Theerthams
Four sacred steps, followed in exact order — each one bringing you closer to the Jyotirlinga.
Start at Agni Theertham
Every sacred journey begins here. Before setting foot inside the temple, devotees enter the Bay of Bengal at Agni Theertham — the shore just outside the east gate — for a purifying sea dip that washes away accumulated karma.
- Best done before 7:00 AM
- Carry a spare set of dry clothes
- Stay near the shore — avoid deep water
Purchase Theertham Ticket
Once inside the temple complex, head to the designated counter near the main corridor to purchase the 22 Theertham ticket. Temple staff are assigned to each well to draw water and pour it ceremonially over each devotee.
- Counter opens from temple opening time
- Arrive early — queues build after 8 AM
- Follow staff instructions at every well
Bathe at All 22 Wells
Moving through the ancient corridors in a specific sequence, water from each of the 22 wells is poured over your head — not full immersion. Each well holds water of distinct temperature, taste and spiritual energy. Do not skip any.
- Complete all 22 in the prescribed order
- Normal days: 45 min – 1.5 hrs
- Peak / Amavasai days: 2+ hours
Change & Proceed to Darshan
With purification complete, change into dry traditional attire at the dressing areas inside the temple. You are now spiritually prepared for the Jyotirlinga darshan — the sacred sight of Lord Shiva in the main sanctum.
- Dhoti / Saree recommended for sanctum entry
- Wet clothes can be stored in temple lockers
- Darshan is most peaceful before 9 AM
Names of the 22 Theerthams
Each well represents different deities and divine energies. Here is the complete traditional list with spiritual significance.
Agni Theertham
The sacred sea — first dip before entering temple
Mahalakshmi Theertham
Blessings of wealth and prosperity
Savitri Theertham
Devotion and conjugal harmony
Gayatri Theertham
Wisdom and spiritual knowledge
Sethu Madhava Theertham
Blessings from Lord Vishnu's Sethu form
Kavacha Theertham
Protection from evil and negative energies
Nala Theertham
Named after architect Nala of the Ramayana
Neela Theertham
Named after Neela — builder of Ram Setu
Brahma Theertham
Purification of the mind and intellect
Surya Theertham
Blessings of the Sun God, health & vitality
Chandra Theertham
Calmness of mind, lunar blessings
Ganga Theertham
Purification equivalent to Ganga bath
Yamuna Theertham
River Yamuna's divine blessings
Gaya Theertham
Equivalent merit to Gaya Pitru rituals
Shiva Theertham
Direct blessings of Lord Shiva
Sarva Theertham
Combined merit of all sacred waters
Hanuman Theertham
Strength, courage and devotion
Sita Theertham
Blessings for women, family harmony
Rama Theertham
Victory, righteousness and dharma
Kodanda Rama Theertham
Blessings from Lord Rama's sacred bow
Jana Theertham
Community blessings and collective merit
Dhanushkodi Theertham
Final well — completion and liberation
Best Time to Perform 22 Theertham Ritual
Ideal Timing
5:30 AM
to
8:30 AM
Least crowd · Most peaceful
Avoid These Times
- 9:00–11:30 AM — Mid-morning rush
- Amavasai peak days — huge queues
- Festival days — 3–4× normal crowd
Early completion allows peaceful Jyotirlinga darshan without rush.
Planning your entire day? See our full Temple Timings & Opening Hours Guide →
Agni Theertham — The Sacred Sea Dip
Located just outside the temple near the seashore, Agni Theertham is the first and most important step of the 22 Theertham ritual. A dip in the Bay of Bengal here symbolises the beginning of your spiritual purification journey.
Best Time
Before 7:00 AM
Location
Temple East Gate
Note
Carry extra clothes
Dress Code & Practical Rules
Men
- Dhoti / Veshti recommended
- Avoid jeans and shorts inside temple
- Remove shirt for certain rituals
Women
- Saree / Salwar Kameez
- Avoid western casual outfits
- Carry extra dry clothes for after bath
Additional Practical Tips
- Carry a towel or dupatta
- Keep clothes in waterproof bag
- Avoid carrying valuables inside
- Use temple lockers for phones & jewellery
Health & Safety Considerations
Elderly Pilgrims
Move slowly and take breaks between wells. Temple staff assist elderly devotees upon request.
Children
Keep children supervised throughout. Avoid rushing and ensure they stay close to family.
Fever / Cold
If unwell, consult a doctor before the ritual. The water is cool and poured over the head.
Peak Season Hygiene
Water is generally clean but during peak seasons, hygiene awareness is important. Maintain distance when possible.
Combining 22 Theerthams with Other Rituals
Planning both on the same morning requires 3–4 hours.
Pitru Tharpanam
Ancestral ritual for peace of departed souls
Rudrabhishekam
Powerful Shiva abhishekam with sacred chants
Kala Sarpa Dosha Pooja
Remedy for planetary affliction from serpent dosha
Need help planning rituals? Book your pujas through our Puja Booking Page →
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Proper planning ensures spiritual focus instead of logistical stress.
Starting the ritual late morning (after 9 AM)
Not carrying extra dry clothes
Skipping the Agni Theertham sea dip
Ignoring temple staff pouring instructions
Wearing non-traditional dress inside the temple
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
Theertham + Darshan Only
2–3 hours
Theertham + Rituals + Darshan
3–5 hours
Full Day Spiritual Plan
6–8 hours
Nearby Spiritual Places After the Ritual
After completing the ritual and darshan, enhance your pilgrimage with these sacred destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Complete the Ritual with Proper Guidance
The 22 Theerthams Complete Guide 2026 helps you understand the spiritual importance, correct process, and practical arrangements required for this sacred purification ritual at Ramanathaswamy Temple. With proper planning, early arrival, and structured guidance, the experience becomes deeply spiritual and stress-free.
Our local team in Rameswaram provides trusted on-ground coordination to make your pilgrimage smooth, organized, and spiritually fulfilling.