The Aryavarth Express
Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu):
With the onset of the auspicious Tamil month of Margazhi, thousands of devotees are visiting the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram to offer prayers. Margazhi, the ninth month in the Tamil calendar, begins in mid-December and concludes in mid-January, a period considered highly sacred and dedicated to spiritual practices.
Devotees are waking up in the early hours to attend special prayers at the temple, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site associated with Lord Shiva and Lord Rama. Visuals from Wednesday showed long queues of worshippers waiting patiently for darshan, reflecting the spiritual fervour of the season.
In view of the heavy footfall, enhanced security arrangements have been put in place. Visitors are being thoroughly screened at entry points, queues are strictly managed, and police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order, ensuring a safe and smooth experience for devotees.
The holy month began with moderate rainfall on Tuesday, which affected some devotees hoping to start Margazhi with early-morning temple visits. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the coming days are likely to remain cloudy, with chances of light rain on December 18 and 22, as per the latest forecast.
Temples across Tamil Nadu are expected to continue witnessing large crowds until mid-January. As part of Margazhi traditions, women decorate their homes with kolam (rangoli) made of rice flour, symbolising prosperity and positive energy.
Many devotees follow a disciplined daily routine during this month, beginning with an early bath and recitation of sacred hymns such as Andal’s Thiruppavai and Thiruvempavai. Thiruppavai, consisting of 30 verses, holds special significance, with one verse traditionally sung each day throughout the month to deepen devotion and spiritual connection with Lord Shiva, Shakti, and Lord Rama.
