 The primary deity of the temple is Ramanathaswamy (Shiva) in the form of "lingam".There are two lingams inside the sanctum - one built by Rama, from sand, residing as the main deity, Ramalingam and the one brought by Hanuman from Kailash called Vishwalingam.Rama instructed that the Vishwalingam should be worshipped first since it was brought by Hanuman - the tradition continues even today.