Wandering Through The Streets of Rameshwaram: A Photo Essay.

Magic of my Rameshwaram yatra, this most fascinating and significant of pilgrimages, only began with paying obeisance in the age old Ramanathaswamy temple and the multitude of teerthams, following an alternate route through the streets of this charming island revealed an experience completely different. Getting acquainted with the wonders of the village by simply being on the streets divulged artistry, humanity and a characteristic laid-backness interwoven in a thread of traditions and customs unique in character and culture; here it was, where I wandered, stopping and marvelling at the never ending slice of life on display waiting to be celebrated and appreciated for they were as captivating, as rewarding and as gratifying as any visit to a renowned temple of a sacred place.

Photographed below are some of the sights, smells, and sounds that caught my eye, my experiences while wandering through the narrow lanes and bylanes of this quaint quiet sleepy village, in a humble attempt to get a feel - a taste of the real village of Rameshwaram.

Besides The Rameshwaram Temple: Getting acquainted with the real village of Rameshwaram.

Houses - of bricks and mortar, mud, paint, bamboo or chuna,

... Are not just structures
But, real extensions of the people living inside.

Houses in the village of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

Old and rustic,

 Some of them are cemented,
more rich and well to do
while others are less ostentatious with just a thatched roof.

An ancient house in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

Some of them have a bike parked in front of their gates
while others are content with a bicycle.

A bike parked in front of a house in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

What's really striking about these homes, I wonder?

Should I highlight their usage of colors or should I speak of their old age charm,
should I focus on their architecture or
should I write of the the social affluence that they boast off?

Houses in the village of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

What would be their best celebration after all?

Meanwhile, away from the houses, down in the markets, the town is abuzz with activity, long woken up from slumber. Day starts early in the town especially owing to its pilgrimage status. The life of the people here revolves around the sea, the temple and the Gods.

Boats, unanchored and liberated, are out into the sea for a fishing spree. 

Fisherman boats in Rameshwaram

Business is not always brisk and money is scarce but what needs to be done is always done. Day after day, men get up and go out to earn the daily bread and feed their families - parents, wives and children.

A lifetime of hard work and toil... it's reflected as lined features,
wrinkled hands and in the veins that protrude from their feeble arms.

A man resting on the streets of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
A man sells his wares in the streets of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

Near the bus stop, an old man sits on the ground quietly, seemingly unaffected by the action around, wrapped in a saffron robe on a jacket, moving nothing but the fingers of his left hand through the japa - mala or precious prayer beads chanting his prayers.

He's got a call to move on...

A sadhu on the streets of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

Competition is real even in the rural, and a fight for survival exists but out in the center, the sense of community is palpable. There is an expression of camaraderie and kinship even in the animals even when there are no words spoken. I offer a couple of bananas to the cow lounging on the roadside. The Mother cow compassionately gazes at the pup strolling alongside as if passing her plate to him but alas! He finds himself too young for the treat.

A cow mooing lazing in the streets of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

SILENCE

It's eloquent, powerful, beautiful, even dangerous.

To slow down, reflect and ponder
on how connected you are with life,
your own self, is priority here.

A dogs on the beach of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

An old letterbox dangles modestly in a corner, reminding me of the power of written words, the joys of authentic connections and meaningful heartfelt conversations. Of great desires and classical stories of enduring love - they all find a place in the safe womb of the post box.

A letter box for communication along the streets of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu


The town is in the mood of Diwali, the festival of lights and there is an unmissable happiness in the air. The entire streets are hemmed in on all sides by Thoranams against the cloudless blue backdrop of the sky - oh how gracefully they swing and sway, to and fro! Dancing to the ecstatic beats of the winds, they permeate joy into my entire being.

How can I forget those moments...
those are moments of freedom and peace.

Auspicious Thoranams haniging on the streets of Rameshwaram during Diwali

Peace and freedom

Those esteemed gifts received when I look upto and in the benevolent eyes of my Father ... I ... His beloved daughter, flawlessly beautiful and faultless, in His eyes, a part of His Family.

Colorful temple facade in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

Gods are not exclusive to the temples in Rameshwaram. He resides in their houses, on the doors, in signs and symbols, in faith and in their day to day activities. He is Family, a living member of their everyday life.

Burst of colors aong the streets of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

As I keep walking through the village of Rameshwaram, the myriad of scenes, they make way for the houses again. This time, the humble rangoli drawn in the courtyard catches my attention and I suddenly realise what is their real celebration after all - it is in the warmth of those intricate patterns... white or coloured... made lovingly by the womenfolk of the house, early in the morning after sweeping the courtyard that so warmly invites us all.

Rangoli designs in front of houses in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

Yes, the doors of the houses in Rameshwaram are open for everyone.
Everyone, except the evil eyed one - 

Warding off evil in the house of  Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

Nazarbattus hanging out in the door
They do a good job of scaring all the wicked off!

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40 Comments

  1. Looks and sounds like the charms of a small town. Agree with you, made me think too as to what the highlight of the town would be...my pick would be the open gates 😊

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  2. ऐसा ही है रामेश्वरम. सुंदर ब्लॉग.

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  3. enjoyed reading, it reminded me of my village days.
    very nice presentation with the pics.

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  4. The beautiful small town comes to life through this post.

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  5. Beautiful post...mystic and you blew life in all the pictures :) its only the cities that are maddening these towns still are happy with what little life has to offer :)

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  6. It was a beautiful experience walking through the lanes not usually trodden .

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  7. Happy New Year,Arti.
    You are taking me to an interesting trip today. I enjoyed the trip and was not tired after walking with you.Those are quite different atmosphere from ours here in Japan. Good experiences! Have a wonderful new week!

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  8. Houses are so airy , no need of Air conditioners at all . Beautiful post

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  9. Beautiful captures, you took us to different corners of this small village through your pictures! :)

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  10. Hmmm....so typical for a pilgrim place...

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  11. I always wonder how you observe things so differently and with such great warmth. From the houses to the temples, from the humans to the animals, you have covered every aspect of life in such a delightful way. I too feel that the camaraderie and kinship among animals is something that depicts an untold and unheard attachment; we often ignore to accept in humans.

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  12. Those are beautiful captures but more than that I loved how you pondered over each picture. I especially loved the cow and puppy one. Truly lovely post, Arti!

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  13. I have nominated you for The Bloggers Recognition Award, visit the link....
    https://jyotirmoytheone.wordpress.com/2017/02/01/bloggers-recognition-award/

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  14. Beautiful frames! Loved that green house with TVS 50 in front.

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  15. Great captures on the life of the island town! I simply love their houses all bearing some kind of auspiciousness in the architecture, colouring or fencing. I always enjoy such scenes wherever I go, because the real experience is led by exploring the ground level of the places. Nice coverage and narrative on things, Arti. I ever saw someone exploring a place alike… Keep going

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  16. Hello Arti! The things your eyes and heart captured are quite different from what I see usually here in Japan but I can really understand your thoughts on them. I’m also interested in each architecture style with handmade ornaments which turned structure to someone’s loved home which looks attractive and inviting. With best wishes to you and your family in 2017.

    Yoko

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  17. Such rustic and lovely clicks! I love small towns of India :D

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  18. Beautiful photo essay with colourful pictures.I love that each house is with a bicycle.These houses are small,but each has some unique appearance too...

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  19. Wow, Arti, my friend... You make me miss India so much. What wonderful captures of people, colour --- the whole atmosphere in your post is simply amazing . LOVE it my friend. Sending big hugs your way sweetie:-)

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  20. When we visit famous place, we ignore these small charms. Loved all the photos and the captions given by you. The houses are very beautiful!

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  21. Such a fascinating post and lovely photos. Thank you so much for sharing this tour!

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  22. As I wander the town with you, I'm struck by what is permanent and impermanent in life. As life moves on and many things may change, faith and kinship remain. I like seeing the focus of your lens and reading what comes from your heart, Arti. It's snowing and blowing here in Breckenridge. I'm sitting by the fire as I write to you.

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  23. Wow, really enjoyed reading your post. Such wonderful photos as well.

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  24. Lovely Photos and content. Enjoyed reading! I don't remember going to Rameshwaram yet. But, when I do, I will look for similar village scenes as you have shown us. Very refreshing!

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  25. I've had plans to visit Rameshwaram for some time. Your lovely description makes me want to go now - what a fascinating manner of telling the story of a place.

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  26. How wonderful to go back and look at these photographs of your time in the village.

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  27. I have just got back from Rameshwaram and this post echoes my heart in possible way. The austerity mixed with the religious history has impacted me so much that even today, after reading you post I felt myself transported to the streets of Rameshwaram again.

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  28. Great post, I have never visited Rameshwaram, but hope I can do so soon:)

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  29. These pictures of Rameshwaram are wonderful. It really paints a realistic picture and shows the simple beauty of life there. Thanks for sharing!

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  30. Rameshwaram well captured & narrated,illustrating life, culture, people,temple, however everything in the picture seemed content with life & where they belong, be it the cow, old man or the houses bcoz that's the nahi in land of God.

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    1. Rameshwaram well captured & narrated,illustrating life, culture, people,temple, however everything in the picture seemed content with life & where they belong, be it the cow, old man or the houses bcoz that's the magic in land of God.

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  31. You have a poetic vision. I enjoy the artistic way you view everything from the architecture, everyday life and finally the people.

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  32. The poetic silence of Rameshwaram is screaming loud and clear. For me the the two images that stand out are of the boat, and the second one of the post box. Both of them; for me represent the uncluttered life. Sadly those are now dreams, filled with remorse of leaving the past behind.
    Best wishes. :-)

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  33. What a beautiful place. Wow. I am also fond of travelling just like you and this place is the true essence of our Indian culture.

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  34. Silence can be dangerous.

    theyyyguy@yahoo.com

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  35. Oh wow, i really like this. Such beautiful pictures

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  36. You have truly captured not only the colorful beauty but the soul of the people. Rosanne

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