Rameswaram and beyond

Rameswaram and beyond


As i took tea from a food joint adjacent to Sri Vihar Tourist Home on North Inner Ring Road, i was reminded of a two-day stay in Rameswaram(RMM), which could have easily entered the the third day had accommodation not been an issue. Taking a room number 18 in a lodge near Agni Teertham, the foremost concern was on how to bide time given the heat spell that the town was up against.This was a visit to RMM after one-and-a-half year - and the undercurrents made it look more or less the same. SAme structured movement of those filing past the Lord in the temple and the gigantic structure showed it could handle crowd of any proportion.

Ramanatha Swamy, the reigning lord of Rameswaram, had a large number of followers the time i entered the sanctum sanctorum but lucky enough to get more than a fleeting glimpse. Once outside the next halt was at Royal Park, which had done away with a comprehensive breakfast comprising cornflakes, idli, dosa, upama, fruit drink and rounding it with unlimited tea/coffee. With the desirable breakfast not in sight, i headed towards bus stand where the guy smashing onions ticked me off for my urgency to wash hands from a water jar. DEspite repeated pleas that very little water would be used, i was left with no option than wash the hands from a public convenience. Against this the tea shop adjacent to the bus reservation centre seem to be in better and understanding frame of mind.

With enough spare hours on hand, the bus starting from North Car Street and heading towards Dhanuskodi seem to suggest that a fair amount of time would be spent in taking up and down trip. It was a journey covering 16kms to Munram Chatiram and from there another 6kms before one could reach the last lap of premissible-cum-seeable Dhanuskodi. Second thoughts on taking a ride had begun to encircle as i began the jouney - and made probable by the thought of travelling in a ramshackle transport for the final lap of 6kms. In a disoriented state was the least one could expect given the vehicle we are made to board and the state of its upkeep. Munram Chatiram accessed by bus, despite reservations i continued the 6km-long trek towards Dhanuskodi and was there at a time when the entire surroundings had heat shine. THe halt was for half an hour and the return ride was commensurate with a stoppage that had remnants of a church, railway station, school and a shiva temple. Perhaps arrogance and heat got better of me and i stayed put instead of stepping out of the vehicle.

It was quarter past one when the bus on its return journey to RMM was boarded. Had the searing heat not been a deterrent and the previous night given me some sleep, the Dhanuskodi date would have been desirable. Utterings on this venture been a total waste of time and effort did not go down well with other occupants and this also had a fallout the next day.

The second day at RMM saw more people flocking to the temple and herein some lost their watch while getting drenched with the release of water from a vessel. An age-old practice, with quantum of water available to drench those who wish to take bath, the recurring crowd surge can upset your plans. Better advised to take the bath if and when the crowd has phased out. This day i had decided to head towards Madurai given the power and water depleting state in the lodge. In the late afternoon, post Ramanatha Swamy Glimpse, i took the bus for Madurai. A ride that underscored the need that as and when RMM is to be accessed, the best option is to gain access to the Lord and leave for next destination soon after. The thought of a stay should be entertained if there is a fair chance of getting a room.