Saturday, August 6, 2016

Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram – Theerthams Inside Temple

Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram – Theerthams Inside Temple
According to the words of scriptures there are totally 64 theerthas (sacred water bodies) in and around Rameswaram. Out of them twenty two theerthas situated inside the Ramanathaswamy Temple premises.
Rameswaram has 22 Theerthams in the form of wells and small water bodies in various parts of the temple. Taking bath in all these Theerthams purify the body as well as the mind. 
It is believed that this water is holy and also having medicinal qualities. At Kodi Theertham pilgrims take their bath lastly and end their pilgrimage of Rameswaram.
The Theerthams of the Temple inside the Corridor and their significance, 
1.Kurusadai Island, Rameshwaram
1.Kurusadai Island, Rameshwaram
Tips:
Bath at 22 Theerthams (holy tanks) is an intrinsic part of visit to Rameswaram Pilgrimage.
1.    Ensure that you keep all electronic items etc. at your room. There are no good lockers at the temple premise.
2.    It is a tradition for grahastas not to wear orange colored clothing during the baths. Also wear only traditional dress for the bath.
3.    Official charge payable to the temple is only Rs. 25/-. However, you need to hire a guide to take you thru the tanks in right order. Charges for the same are Rs. 100 - Rs. 200 per person. There are many guides at the temple, some will promise "quick service" and ask for a premium. Don’t entertain such peoples.
4.    No water should be allowed to go into the Theerthams (wells) after bath.
5.    It takes around an hour to complete taking baths at all 22 wells.
6.    You can change to dry clothes after completing 22 snanas (bath). It is a custom to donate these wet clothes to poor and needy after the baths.
7.    All the 22 wells are freshwater wells. The miracle is that each of them taste differently, have little salinity though very close to the sea.