Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva and one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, which makes it among the most sacred addresses in Hinduism. The present structure dates largely from the 12th century, though additions and renovations continued for several hundred years after. The outer gopurams — towered gateways — rise dramatically against the flat island sky.
The temple's most celebrated feature is its corridors. At over 1,220 metres in total length, they are the longest temple corridors in India, lined with hundreds of carved pillars that recede in long, dim perspectives. Inside are 22 theerthams, or sacred wells, each believed to have distinct spiritual properties. Pilgrims are expected to bathe at all 22 in sequence before approaching the main sanctum. The ritual bathing is communal and presided over by temple priests; visitors should expect to get thoroughly wet and should leave valuables and cameras outside.