The core of the temple is ancient, linked to the Ramayana era. Historical expansions occurred between the 12th and 18th centuries. The temple's 'Third Corridor' (Chokkanathan Corridor) is an 18th-century masterpiece of masonry. The island itself is the starting point of 'Ram Setu', the legendary bridge to Lanka.

The corridor of 1212 Pillars

The temple is a world-record holder for its **corridors**. The outer set of corridors is about 6.9 meters in height and runs for a total length of 1,212 meters. The 1,212 pillars are intricately carved with images of deities, kings, and celestial beings. The temple has two massive gopurams (towers)—the East Tower rising to 126 feet. The entire complex is built of granite, which had to be transported across the sea from the mainland in ancient times.

After defeating Ravana, Rama wanted to worship Shiva at this spot. He sent Hanuman to Mount Kailash to bring a Lingam. When Hanuman was delayed, Sita created a Lingam out of sand (the **Ramalingam**) so the pooja could proceed. When Hanuman returned with the **Vishwalingam**, Rama decreed that the Vishwalingam should always be worshipped first—a tradition that continues to this day.

The most unique aspect of worship is the **22 Theertham Bathing**. Devotees go through 22 designated wells within the temple complex, each believed to have different medicinal and spiritual properties, and are splashed with buckets of holy water. This is preceded by a dip in the Agni Theertham (the sea), where Rama is said to have bathed first.

Maha Shivaratri is the most significant festival, celebrated with grand processions. The Thirukalyanam (Celestial Wedding) in the month of Aadi is another major event. The Arudhra Darisanam draws thousands who come to see the Nataraja form of Shiva.

Modern folklore at Rameswaram revolves around the **'Floating Stones'**. Near the temple and at Dhanushkodi, there are porous volcanic rocks that float on water. Locals believe these are the remnants of the stones used by the Vanara army to build the bridge to Lanka. There is also a deep-seated belief that the **sand of Rameswaram** is sacred; pilgrims often take a handful of sand to immerse in the Ganges at Kashi, while bringing back Ganges water to pour over the Lingam here, symbolically uniting North and South India.