Renovation of Traditional Water Bodies (TWB) – Brahma in the Island of Rameshwaram

Background: Research into mythological texts enabled us to identify the lost and damaged traditional water bodies – Teerthams. The survey maps and interaction with the locals helped in restoring and renovating the Teerthams without damaging environmental/societal norms or antiquity. Renovated Teerthams has been handed over to “Teertha mitras”, a community group after bringing back to its original glory. We have identified 64 traditional water bodies (Teerthams) in and around Rameswaram Island. Twenty traditional water bodies outside the temple revived and renovated. So far, 8.5 million litres of water storage created to recharge ground water. Twenty thousand villagers and about one lakh tourists are benefitted. This process has enabled to revive Kudimaramathu system for protecting traditional water bodies. In future, it will become a tourist and pilgrim destination generating employment opportunities for the local stakeholders. This note gives an account of renovation efforts of Brahma (Kunda) Teertham relating to location, mythological values, on revival of traditional water bodies for posterity. Location: Brahma teertham is at Mangad Village of Ramesharam Island. This newly renovated Teertha has brackish water (salt water). However, in the coming couple of years it will become potable water at least for a period of 6-8 months in a year.