News: The temple’s iconic 1,212-pillar corridor featured in a projection during the BRICS Summit

Key Facts

• Location: Rameswaram, Pamban Island, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu.
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva; one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
• Dravidian-style architecture; important pilgrimage site in the Char Dham circuit.
• Mythology: Lord Rama is believed to have consecrated a sand lingam here to worship Shiva after returning from Lanka.

Historical Development

• Inner sanctum associated with King Parakramabahu of Sri Lanka (12th century).
• Expanded by Sethupathi rulers from the 15th–18th centuries.
• East Rajagopuram completed in 1897–1904 with Nagarathar patronage.

Architectural Features

• Outer third corridor → 1,212 carved granite pillars, about 6.9 m high.
• Long, symmetrical corridors create a striking linear-perspective effect.
• Pillars feature floral motifs, yalis + Sethupathi portraits.
• Monolithic Nandi → 17 ft high, 22 ft long, 12 ft wide.
• 22 sacred theerthams (wells/tanks) within the temple precincts.