Sacred Geography of Ramanathapuram District, Tamilnadu
R amanathapuram derives its name from the sacred Ramanathaswamy temple of Rameswaram. Its original name was Mugavainagar which means mouth or entrance town. “The Setupati palace in the west part of the town was first established by Kilavan Setupati (1674-1710), though little of his period survives. The complex is surrounded by a high stone wall with the main entrance on the west. This gate is an ornate structure with turrets and a small dome. Ramalinga Vilasa, on the north side of the complex, is the most interesting feature. Its east facade presents arcades at two levels, capped with a long vault; domical towers are seen at either end”. The Ramalinga Vilasa exhibits mural paintings of historical and religious importance.