As part of the 150 birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda, VK-nardep has taken up the renovation of the 16 sacred

teerthams of Rameshwaram. This is the continuation of the report series of the progress of the project. As the Teerthams are getting revived they are now getting used by the community for both day today use and also for ritual purposes. Many of the Teerthams are also situated near the local village shrines particularly sacred trees. The Teertham renovation project is revealing a greater pattern of embedded eco-veneration in the bio-cultural knowledge system of the island.

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[Left] A sacred tree venerated near the Nakula Teertham, [Right] one of the Teertham that has been renovated. Almost perennial presence of water in most of the Teerthams may be the cumulative result of such many eco-cultural practices enshrined in the local traditions.

An important aspect that has been noticed as the project goes on is the almost perennial steady presence of good water in most of the Teerthams which are under renovation. A good example is the Hanuman Kunda Teertham where the renovation work is entering the crucial next stage. Here too despite the delayed monsoons the clear good water can be seen constantly oozing out. With the polluting garbage gathered for decades removed, the sparkling clean water is sustaining a small community of fishes, keeping the pond pollution free. Sahadeva Teertham, is another teertham that has been cleaned where there is apparently no water. The pond looks dry. But a closer look shows even here the fresh water is very much oozing out. In an island surrounded by sea water and geographically situated in a drought prone area presence of such fresh water in so many water bodies shows the kind of knowledge that has gone into making these Teerthams - water harvesting structures for ages.

[Left] Fresh water oozing out of Hanuman Kunda Teertham [Right] Nakula Teertham and the presence of water inside the dry Teertham. This may be the cumulative result of many such eco-cultural practices enshrined in the local traditions.

The local people are now getting interested in the maintaining of these Teerthams which are being renovated. For example a retired military person Shri.Bhoopati, stated how the Hanuman Kunda Teertham after getting the new look, has become important in his life. He expressed his desire to be part of the team to maintain it in the future. A housewife Tmt.Vanitha expressed gratitude and explained how the Angatha Teertham, now a sacred well, was once a source of polluted water harboring disease causing insects. But now it has been transformed by the renovation work into a source of good water for daily usage of the local community. A daily labourer and shop keeper stated emotionally how Jambhava Teertham, now renovated with seepage tank by Kendra is helping the local community with daily water during these water-deficient months.

Water Democracy through Sacred Geography: The renovation work is making the local people realise the worth of these resources which till now has been ignored and left in ruin by decades of neglect.

Jambhava Teertham: Thiru.Karupaih almost lost hope before renovation (top left) As the renovation work of VK-nardep progresses the new look of Jambhava Teertham (top right): Seepage tank built by VK-nardep.(down center)

Angatha Teertham: State of Neglect before renovation (top left) ; As the renovation work of VKnardep progresses the new look of Angatha Teertham (top right): Good water resource for the local people (down left); Seepage tank built by VK-nardep.(down right)

The project is unfolding in all its dimensions with people getting awareness about the hitherto neglected heritage water resources. They are both natural resources as well as attractions for pilgrims making their pilgrim to the holy island a complete experience. VK-nardep is also exploring further forgotten bonds which tie the Teerthams with the geography of the island. This will be a holistic effort combining culture historians, local knowledge, renovation work with the application of modern principles of science etc.

To know more about Rameshwaram Teertham Project: Contact Secretary, VK-nardep, Vivekananda Kendra, Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari-629702; Phone:04652-246296, 9442646296 Email: vknardep@gmail.com