CHENNAI: Rivers have a unique association with civilisations. Thamirabarani in the southern district of Tirunelveli is no exception.
A group of dedicated persons, who conducted the Thamirabarani Maha Pushkaram demonstrated through religious rituals associated with worshipping rivers that the underlying principle is involvement of all stakeholders in conserving natural resources. The State Archaeology Department is planning to establish two site museums at the nearby ancient sites of Korkai and Adichanallur to showcase the artefacts obtained from the sites.
Thamirabarani is a river that originates in the Western Ghats (from the Agastyarkoodam peak of Pothigai hills) in the State and empties into the sea at the Gulf of Mannar after passing through Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts. This perennial source could hold answer to the drought story of Tamil Nadu which is still struggling to get its due share of water from Karnataka.
“We can’t live without water, which is very precious. Hindu rituals connected with water or rivers aim to create awareness on conservation and encourage concerted efforts by all the stakeholders,” says V. Subramanian, Secretary of Jankalyan.
He says holding Pushkaram will help one realise the importance of rivers and respect them as gods. “Eventually, conservation should be made a mass movement,” he said. The organisers of the Thamirabarani Maha Pushkaram had planned the event to help people understand and venerate mother nature, he pointed out.
“As its name signifies, the Thamirabarani river contains traces of copper required for maintaining good health. So bathing in the river is beneficial. Those who had taken a holy dip in this river during the Maha Pushkaram should visit again within 48 days and take a dip,” says Thiruvenkadu Swamy Ganapati Gajananda Saraswati.
The Thamirabarani Maha Pushkaram, concluded on October 23, attracted several thousands of devotees from various parts of the State and across the country. “Water is an integral part of Hindu beliefs and customs and it is always given a sacred position in the centuries-old civilisation of India. The importance of water is highlighted in our ancient scriptures emphasising awareness on water conservation and management,” Swamy Ganapati added.
