Introduction
Teerthams, one of the very important water resources for the rural community in South India occupy a significant position in supporting livelihood for the rural poor and safeguarding the local ecosystems. After independence, the continuous neglect of these unique Teerthams due to encroachments has resulted in their deterioration and several small scale water resources becoming extinct. In this context, true to its mission of protecting the traditional water bodies since 1990s, Vivekananda Kendra has been undertaking rehabilitation and restoration of small scale water bodies in coastal island by building social capital and bringing back local management.
The spiritual significance
Water as purifier is known to all. Everyone take bath to keep them hygienic. All religions have given water a significant place in all their rituals to ward off the impurities or to initiate or for making resolves for new actions. Most of us intentional or unintentionally commit actions which cause harm to the living being around us and feel sorry for it. Over the period, our ancestors have shown pathways to be free from guilt and to invoke goodness of the individual through many deeds instead of condemning him forever. Rameswaram known for Teertham is associated with mythological stories conveying act of sanctifying of the people who have committed wrong.