Remembering Dhanushkodi

An old man carrying the scars of the 1964 community disaster and of Time

By
M. Nadarajah
January 2011

It was after 4 years and a successful participation in the 1893 Parliament of World
Religions, Chicago, that the world famous Swami Vivekananda set foot on the
Indian soil. This was at Dhanushkodi in January 1897. Earlier, as the story of
Ramayana goes, Prince Rama used this place to build a bridge (Adamʼs Bridge) to
Sri Lanka to rescue his wife, Princess Sita.

Dhanushkodi is situated on the island of Pamban (or

Rameswaram) in Tamil Nadu, India. It is about 30 km
west of Talaimannar, Sri Lanka. The well-connected island
town was a flourishing pilgrimage and tourist centre
before 1964. Bordering with Sri Lanka, there were many
ferry services between Dhanushkodi and Talaimannar (Sri
Lanka), transporting travellers and goods. Dharmashalas,
places of worship, hotels, textile
shops served pilgrims and travellers. The place was home
and sacred to many people.

On December 22/23rd of December 1964 the town was

tragically wiped out by a tidal wave. At 11.55 pm on
December 22nd, “while entering Dhanushkodi railway station,
the train No.653, Pamban-Dhanushkodi Passenger, a daily
regular service which left Pamban with 110 passengers and
5 railway staff, was only few yards before Dhanushkodi
Railway station when it was hit by a massive tidal wave. The
whole train was washed away killing all 115 on board. All
together over 1800 people died in the cyclonic
storm….”

Dhanushkodi was declared a ghost town. The way to

the town is difficult now. With a few fisherfolks
families around making a living, the place still carries
the scars of the community disaster.

 A tree signifying the status of
Dhanushkodi: a little activity
but mostly dead (“a ghost town”)
The remains of a temple...of
hope.
The remnants of the railway
station, once a sign of
connectivity with mainland
India, and economic and social
vibrancy.
The sermon of silence...A lone
church stays as witness to a
terrible tragedy.
 A marooned memory and community