This shrine is located at the extreme south eastern point of the Indian peninsula.  The sethu bridge was constructed to link this land to Lanka for the Varnarams to reach Lanka.  This island temple resembles the Panchajanya (Vishnu's conch) and like the Tamil letter 'OM'.

The jyotirlingam was worshipped by Lord Rama to atone the sin of killing Ravana.  Hanuman flew to bring the Linga from Kailasa, for Lord Rama to wroship.  As it was getting late, Rama worshipped the Lingam that was made of sand by Sita Devi. This Lingam worshipped by Lord Rama is known as Ramanathar.   When Hanuman returned he was disappointed that his Lord had not used the Lingam that he had brought.  Lord Rama pacified Hanuman & named this Lingam Kasi Viswanathar.  Devotees have to worship Kasi Viswanathar before worshipping Ramanathar.

Rameswaram is famous for the many teerthams.  There are a total of 51 teerthams, 22 of them situated within the temple.  Pilgrimage is considered  complete with a bath in the Agni teertham. These waters are considered to have medicinal qualities.