As I mentioned in my earlier post, the reason we travelled to Tamil Nadu is wholly for pilgrimage purpose. A 12th century Temple Ramanathaswamy located in Rameshwaram an island town situated in Southern East of Tamil Nadu State, is one of the holiest place to Hindus as one with Varanasi in the north. The huge temple is very well famous for its massive walls, 4000 feet long pillared corridor with over 4000 pillar, towers and the major aspect of the pilgrimage is the theerthams (holy water bodies). They are in the form of tanks and wells in and around the temple which the water has its own taste. Bathing in all the 22 wells situated within the temple is considered equally for purification and rejuvenation.
Pamban bridge connecting to Rameshwaram Island.
The main entrance to the temple
This is the main theertham. Agni theertham . One has to immerse in the water for 3 times prior to bathing in the other wells inside the temple compound.
We were informed to participate in the 1st ceremonial of the day that is around 5:00 in the morning. It is said one will benefit most if involve in this ceremony prior the bathing rituals. So it was 4.15 in the morning when we arrived at the temple supposing to beat the crowd, but guess what?.. there were almost hundreds of them already queuing at the ticket counter.
Temples here are overly crowded most the time.
Done with the puja, we walked towards the main entrance to hire a guide. These guys are easy to spot as all of them dressed in white (white dhoti..white shirt) infact we were approached by them . After some negotiation on certain amount of fees, we proceeded to the beach (Agni Theertham) which is about 500m away from the temple.
I was terrified. Seriously pitch dark, chilly morning sea breeze and to soak myself in the sea water at that point of time? Argghh..nope I changed my mind at that instance. Instead I walked in to my waist point safely one hand still clinging to my partner who was already sopping wet and splashed some generous amount of water over my head. Haha!! Done.
Once at the temple, the guide led us to all 22 wells beginning with the 1st, Lakshmi theertham (wealth). Anyway this is the only one I remember. Each well is numbered and has its own importance and mind it these wells are scattered throughout the huge temple complex and even though sign board are placed for direction all the way through, it’s advisable to get the pro to guide. You don’t want to get lost halfway your spiritual journey J .
Our guide explained the significances of each wells whilst skillfully fetched buckets of water (3 times at each well) and poured on us as we stand head held high, gasping silently.
For almost an hour we were totally drenched.
It was a terrific moment for both of us, an absolute feeling within us, a sense of complete rejuvenation and we are glad we did it.
Clothes changed, donations given.. we left the temple contentedly.
The way to the temple from the beach. (Agni Theertham)
The long corridor with pillars mounted on raised platform
The journey continued..temples, temples and more temples…
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