Legend has it that Rama installed the lingam here to atone for the sin of killing Ravana (who was a bramhin by birth, but a demon by nature). He selected this beautiful valley, surrounded by hills and verdant greenery, and ordered Hanuman to bring a lingam from Varanasi (the holy city of Kashi or Benares; believed to be Shiva's favourite place). Hanuman was late in arriving with the requested lingam and, as the auspicious hour was nearing, Shiva himself appeared before Rama and presented a lingam to him. Thus, the lingam in the temple is called a Swayambhu Linga. It is also called Ramalingeswara, as Rama had installed the lingam.