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Ramanathaswamy Temple authorities
in Rameswaram are to be appreciated for have taken steps to revive the
beating of drums discontinued about 100 years ago.
It is the custom of pilgrims to
bring Ganges water after visiting Benaras and bathe Sri Ramanathaswamy
in Rameswaram temple with this Ganges water. Till about a century
ago, when the hundreds of pilgrims entered the Ramanathapuram State, their
arrival with Ganges water will be made known by beating the drums.in the
palace and will continue the beating till the pilgrims reach the temple.
On reaching the temple, two temple drums will begin beating, indicating
to the public that Abhishekam with Ganges water will take place.
This beating of the drum was there even when the Sethupathi King came to
the temple for pooja.
With the advance of transport facilities,
this practice was stopped and the beating was done only at the time of
actual pooja. In due course, this was also stopped. Consequently,
the two 350-year old Drums went silent and sought refuge in the store room.
Thanks to the efforts of the Joint
Commissioner of the temple, Sri Bhaskaran, these Drums have started beating
now to gladden the hearts of the pilgrims.
Based on report in DINAMANI.
