Are our temples too benevolent and too sacred to be maintained physically clean?
Why do pilgrims travel far and wide, in an effort to cleanse their souls while caring a hoot for the surroundings they visit? Be it Sabarimala, or Rameswaram, or any other holy abode of the Lord, pilgrims leave too many tell-tale (tell-truth actually) signs of their visit: used food packages, used clothes, used water bottles, and the worst habit of all: human expectorated spittle all over the place.
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| Rama theertham (most holy, but nearly dead) |
There are well over 50 theerthams in the holy town of Rameswaram.
22 of them are located within the main temple and
several more are scattered over a few km distance in multiple directions.
Most of the ones frequented by tourists show plenty of signs of poor maintenance and care, by both authorities and tourists. At the Rama Theertham, no fish survives in the pond, you can see a few live ones struggling in a bucketful of water for the purpose of being fed by the pilgrims.
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| Lakshmana Theertham (maintained) |
So what I mean to say is that there is no dearth of wells and water. Sea water, holy pond water, well water. All offering different tastes, and some possessing curing and purifying properties.
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| Jada Theertham (clean and clear) |
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| One view of beach at Dhanushkodi |
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| Villondi Theertham, on a pier jutting out to the sea |
Rameswaram island has been invaded and taken over by packaged drinking water and immense amounts of plastic. So if you believe in 'Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu' seek solace within yourself!
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| a vessel merchant's ware is only packaged water |
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| collections of used water bottles |
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i appreciate that you have some thoughts to share, and are taking the effort to do so.