Koneswaram has many strong historical associations. The shrine is described in the "Vayu Purana", the "Konesar Kalvettu" and "Tevaram" hymns by Sambandhar and Sundarar as a Paadal Petra Sthalam along with its west coast Ishwaram counterpart Ketheeswaram temple, Mannar, and was praised for its tradition by Arunagirinathar upon his visit. The "Dakshina Kailasa Puranam" and "Manmiam" works note it as "Dakshina/Then Kailasam" (Mount Kailash of the South) for its longitudinal position and pre-eminence, it lies directly east of Kudiramalai west coast Hindu port town, while it is the easternmost shrine of the five ancient "Ishwarams" of Shiva on the island.