Ramanathaswamy is a monumental Dravidian temple whose third corridor of over 1,200 metres, lined with more than a thousand ornately carved granite pillars, is an unrivalled architectural wonder. Within its precincts lie 22 theerthams (holy wells), each with distinct waters, and pilgrims are doused at each in turn as an act of ritual purification. According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama installed and worshipped a Shiva lingam here to absolve the sin of war before returning from Lanka. The temple links the Vaishnava epic to Shaivite worship at the very southern edge of sacred India.