New Delhi (Agency): On a serene day in Rameswaram, a sacred town in Tamil Nadu, thousands of devotees assembled to participate in the revered Aadi Amavasai rituals. This special day, known as Pidurkarma Puja, saw believers performing rituals by the tranquil Agni Theertham sea. They sought blessings for peace and solace for the souls of their departed ancestors.
Aadi Amavasai, a day marked in the Hindu lunar calendar, carries deep significance. It is believed that on this day, rituals and offerings can bring peace to ancestral souls. Some devotees observe fasting on this day, while others perform pujas, which are special prayers. Many believe in the purifying act of bathing in holy waters during specific sacred periods. For instance, during the Thai and Aadi months, pujas are dedicated to parents, in Masi to relatives, and during the blessed Mahalaya Puratasi month, prayers are for all beings. It’s said these rituals bring incredible blessings.
This year’s Aadi Amavasai had a unique aura, attracting Hindus from diverse backgrounds to Rameswaram. With the first light of dawn, the town saw eager devotees arriving. They began the day with a cleansing dip in the Agni Theertham sea. This was followed by traditional rituals like sangalpam, darpanam, pindam, gothanam, vastrathanam, and food donation, vital components of the Pidurkarma Puja.
Inside the holy Ramanathaswamy temple, there was a flurry of activity. Devotees undertook a spiritual journey, bathing in the temple’s 22 holy wells. These acts symbolize a deep desire to connect with the divine and remember their ancestors.
To ensure that all rituals progressed smoothly, the All India Pilgrim Guides Association played a supportive role. They helped devotees at every Theertha well, making the bathing ritual quicker and more organized. In addition, there was a significant security presence. Officers from various districts maintained peace and order, ensuring that religious ceremonies proceeded seamlessly.
This harmony allowed all present to wholly engage in their spiritual journey, making the Aadi Amavasai in Rameswaram a day of deep reflection and reverence.