Rameswaram, one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage locations, is regarded as one of the holiest places for Hindus in India. It is also the location closest to Sri Lanka from India. According to geological evidence, the Rama Sethu bridge originally connected this location to Sri Lanka. Since the beginning of time, tourists have been drawn to and admired this small hamlet. On his way back from his battle with Ravana, it is said that Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva in order to atone for the sins he had to commit during the conflict. According to one interpretation, the idol in the temple, the Shiv Linga, was constructed as a result of his worship. According to a different story, the Shiv Linga was constructed before his journey to Lanka. The temple and the legends around it, however, have contributed to the town's attractiveness.