Chennai, Sep 21 (NationPress) In south Tamil Nadu, Rameswaram became a focal point for spiritual gatherings on Sunday, as a multitude of devotees flocked to the revered Agni Theertham to engage in rituals and ancestral offerings for Mahalaya Amavasya.

This day, regarded as one of the most important in the Hindu calendar, holds the belief that sincere observance brings peace to the souls of departed ancestors.

From dawn, families, including men, women, and children, made their way to the shores adjacent to the Ramanathaswamy temple, bearing offerings and puja materials.

The traditional ritual of taking a holy dip in the waters of Agni Theertham is seen as a way to purify sins and provide comfort to lost souls.

After their sacred bath, families performed 'tarpanam'—ancestral rites involving sesame seeds, water, and prayers—aimed at uplifting their forebears’ spirits.

Devotees also explored the 22 sacred wells within the Ramanathaswamy temple complex, each one tied to unique spiritual meanings.

Bathing in these wells forms a crucial part of the Mahalaya Amavasya customs.

Participants believe that completing these rituals grants blessings and spiritual liberation for both the living and the deceased.

Once their rituals and offerings were complete, worshippers gathered at the sanctum of Lord Ramanathaswamy and Goddess Parvathavardhini.

Special pujas and prayers took place, with priests calling for divine blessings upon the devotees and their families.

The temple’s corridors resonated with chants, ringing bells, and the scent of incense, cultivating a profoundly spiritual environment.

Mahalaya Amavasya, falling in the Tamil month of Purattasi, signifies the end of the pitru paksha period dedicated to honoring ancestors.

Rituals performed on this day are deemed to carry greater significance and merit than those done on other new moon days.

It is also viewed as an opportune moment to seek forgiveness, convey gratitude, and honor one’s lineage.

The blend of sacred waters, temple traditions, and ancestral reverence turned Rameswaram into a vibrant hub of spirituality on this day.

Pilgrims expressed their belief that their prayers and offerings would not only bring peace to the departed but also shower blessings and prosperity upon their families.