MB#70: 𝙋𝙞𝙡𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙙: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙢 54-𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙒𝙞𝙨𝙝.
- www.suryanarayana.com
- Nov 29
- 3 min read
[MemoirBlogthon #70] In 1970, my father's return from a pilgrimage to Rameswaram—with my grandparents and a toy bank—planted a lifelong desire in me. Fifty-four years later, I fulfilled that wish, taking a holy bath in the sea and the temple's 22 wells. My adult pilgrimage combined spiritual serenity with historical awe, visiting the House of Kalam the Missile Man. This journey proved that a father's planted seed of faith and curiosity grows into a profound generational experience.
The Seed of Pilgrimage, Planted in 1970
My parents have always been fond of pilgrimages, and in December 1970, my father embarked on an important one to Rameswaram, taking his parents along. My grandmother was particularly keen on visiting Rameswaram in her lifetime. As children, we eagerly awaited their return, knowing a gift or two would accompany their spiritual stories.
After their return, they told us about the topmost significance of Rameswaram and brought me a toy bank to encourage saving. My father used to share a valuable piece of advice: "Start going for pilgrimages at the age of 50 so that by around 60 years, major worth-visiting places could be covered." His visit planted a seed in my mind, which grew into a lifelong wish.
My Pilgrimage: Holy Baths and Dhanushkodi
My wish was finally realized in February 2024, when my wife, two relatives, and I journeyed to Rameswaram. February proved to be the best time to visit, offering spectacular views and avoiding the intense heat of May/June and the monsoon rains.
Piligrimage Realized The Rameswaram 54-Year Wish
Our pilgrimage began on a full moon day with a spectacular view of the sun rising at the beach road, near the Tamil Nadu Hotel where we stayed (an ideal location for easy access to the temple). We had a holy bath in the sea and subsequently received water poured over our heads from the 22 wells (theerthams) located on the temple grounds.
Piligrimage Realized The Rameswaram 54-Year Wish
Our journey also took us to Dhanushkodi Beach, the picturesque spot where the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Mannar converge. This glimpse into the past and nature’s tranquility allowed me to capture stunning photos and videos, fulfilling the adventure I had only heard about as a child. A 2-day trip, as we planned, allowed for a less rushed experience.
### Connecting Faith to the Missile Man's Legacy
A visit to Rameswaram today is incomplete without paying homage to its most famous son. We visited the House of Kalam (APJ Abdul Kalam House/Museum) on Mosque Street. The small museum on the first and second floors of the house, maintained by his elder brother, narrates the story of the boat owner's son who became one of India’s most revered scientists and a president. I particularly liked the extensive collection of photos, his published books, and the 28 doctorate certificates on display.
Though we missed the Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Memorial, I learned about its profound significance. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017 and constructed by the DRDO, the 2.11-acre memorial is a structure built with careful planning:
What we could see from outside was the main gate, which resembles India Gate with a touch of the Chettinad style.
The main dome is a replica of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
A bronze statue depicts Dr. Kalam playing the veena.
The local car driver told us the four halls inside reflect various facets of his life, including the Pokhran atomic test and his work with ISRO and DRDO. This exemplary memorial, completed in just 25 days, stands as a testament to engineering dedication, connecting my personal pilgrimage to a powerful national legacy. We wished tovisit this monument without fail next time.
My father’s wisdom of seva (service) and darshan (sight/vision) was finally fulfilled in this profound journey.
MB#70: Quiz
MB70:Question: How many wells (theerthams) are located on the grounds of the Ramanathaswamy Temple from which pilgrims have holy water poured over their heads?
A. 10 wells.
B. 12 wells.
C. 22 wells.
D. 36 wells.
MB#70: Quote
Comments