1,212 pillars, 22 sacred wells: The temple behind the BRICS photo

Historic Corridor

The Ramanathaswamy Temple’s vast pillared corridors have become an unexpected global talking point after appearing behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The outer corridor stretches for roughly 1,200 metres, creating one of India’s most striking architectural spectacles.

Centuries Legacy

Ramanathaswamy Temple was not built in a single era or by one ruler. Its present form evolved over centuries, with contributions from the Pandya, Nayak and Sethupathi rulers, leaving behind a complex that reflects multiple layers of South Indian temple architecture.

Ramayana Link

The temple carries a powerful connection to the Ramayana tradition. According to the religious tradition associated with Rameswaram, Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here before proceeding towards Lanka. The name Ramanathaswamy itself refers to Shiva as the “Lord of Rama.”

Pillar Wonder

Around 1,212 sculpted pillars line the temple’s celebrated corridors, producing seemingly endless rows of stone architecture. The enormous scale, intricate carvings and carefully aligned columns make the corridors one of the temple’s defining visual features.

Sacred Waters

Beyond its towering architecture, the temple is also known for its 22 theerthams, or sacred water sources. These form an important part of the traditional pilgrimage at Rameswaram, adding another layer to a temple already famous for its history and architecture.