Basic amenities to be provided at Agni Theertham in Rameswaram

Concerns arise over lack of amenities at Agni Theertham in Rameswaram for Thai Ammavasai, impacting devotees' safety and comfort.

With thousands of devotees set to throng Agni Theertham in Rameswaram on Thai Ammavasai (New Moon day) this month to perform religious procession, the lack of basic amenities has become cause for concern.  

Devotees, as part of the procession, enter the sea to perform the rites. Usually, cement footpaths installed on the beach are used by elderly people to easily reach the water. But, due to the strong currents, the footpath is damaged making the floor uneven.  

Shopkeepers in the area say that when the currents are strong, the floor gets submerged. “People who are unaware of the uneven surface may slip and injure themselves,” they added.  

So, immediate renovation of the flooring was much needed as many people would throng the area for the upcoming event. Also, other facilities such as a drinking water kiosk, changing rooms for men and women, which are improperly maintained, have to be renovated before the event.  

A woman devotee from Salem says that though the nearby shops have changing rooms, they are not comfortable using them. “Also, many cannot afford to pay rent to use the rooms for a short time. So, changing rooms, even on payment, will be helpful.”  

Not only from Tamil Nadu, many pilgrims from other parts of the country visit Sri Ramanathaswamy temple. A temple with such religious importance, if provided with facilities to be easily accessed, would only improve the footfall of devotees.  

An official of Rameswaram Municipality said that during festival times, extra water tanks would be placed to fulfil the needs of devotees. “The changing rooms were recently renovated and it will be open on all days.”