One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, Ramanathaswamy Temple is a marvel in terms of beauty and architecture. This highly revered place is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with the legendary epic Ramayana. People believe that it is the same place where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva, while returning to Ayodhya after defeating and killing the demon king Ravana. The Shiva Lingam, which was worshipped by Ram, is called Ramalingam and it was made of mud by Devi Sita.

Architecture
The temple has a 4000 feet long corridor, with 1212 pillars, which is considered to be the longest in the world. The corridor showcases the skill and craft of the artisans of bygone era. The temple covers an area of over 15 acres. Its massive walls, lofty gopurams and beautiful idols are an epitome of Dravidian architecture. The masonry structure of the temple was brought to the limelight by Parakrama Bahu of Sri Lanka. Later, the Setupathy rulers and the Pallavas completed the rest of the temple. The temple which is admired and appreciated by the tourists today, was made between 12th and the 16th centuries.

Major Attractions
Tthe temple comprises of twenty-two wells/tanks which are believed to have some sort of medicial values. Moreover, the taste of the water of each well is different from the other.

A few prominent attractions are:

• The eastern Rajagopuram tower in the temple towers to a height of 126 feet and has nine levels.
• The beautiful image of Nandi Bull is about 18 feet tall and 22 feet long.
• The main sanctum has the Linga of Sri Ranganatha, which was sanctified by Lord Rama.
• The three storeyed Vimana consists of images of Hanuman, Agastya Linga and the Gandhamadhana Linga.
• The sanctum in the north has the Linga of Vishvanatha, which is said to be brought by Hanuman.
• Another shrine houses the image of Visalakshi (the Consort of Visvanatha) while Parvathavardhani, the consort of Ramanatha, is enshrined in a sanctum to his right.

Six worship services are offered daily in the temple and one special puja is performed on every Friday. A great festival is organised in the month of Aani or June/July to worship Lord Rama. Apart from that, two annual Bhrammotsavams are celebrated in the month of Aadi and Maasi. The local people also celebrate Adi Thirukalyanam in June, Mahalaya Amavasai in September, and Ramalingam Prathastai Mayand Navarathri Festival in October in the temple premises with full vigour and enthusiasm.