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Devotees Honor Ancestors at Rameswaram's Sacred Sea on Thai Amavasai

Devotees gathered at the Agnitheertham sea in Rameswaram to perform Pitru Tharpanam on the sacred day of Thai Amavasai. The no-moon day in the Tamil month of Thai is dedicated to honoring departed ancestors through prayers and offerings. Rituals like Shradh and Tarpan, involving holy baths and offerings of water and food, are performed to ensure the peace and liberation of ancestral souls. The day is also observed as Mauni Amavasya in other parts of India.

Key Points: Thai Amavasai: Devotees Perform Rituals at Rameswaram Sea

  • Sacred Pitru Tharpanam performed
  • Holy bath in Agnitheertham sea
  • Rituals for ancestral peace & liberation
  • Observed as Mauni Amavasya in North India
2 min read

Tamil Nadu: Devotees pay tributes in Rameswaram's Agnitheertham sea on 'Thai Amavasai'

Thousands observed Thai Amavasai in Tamil Nadu, performing sacred Pitru Tharpanam rituals in the Agnitheertham sea for ancestral peace.

"by fasting and offering special prayers on the Amavasai day... their ancestors who have passed away will find peace - local belief"

Rameswaram, January 18

Considered one of the most sacred days for performing Pitru Tharpanam, on the occassion of 'Thai Amavasai', many devotees in Tamil Nadu paid tributes to their ancestors in the early morning hours of Sunday. The devotees performed Pithurkarma puja at the Agnitheertham Kadal in Rameswaram to pray for the peace of their departed ancestors.

Many devotees also paid tributes to their ancestors on this day at Harbour Beach in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

Thai Amavasai is the no-moon day in the Tamil Month of Thai (January - February) and is very important in Tamil culture.

Amavasai falls in January and is called Thai Amavasai in the Tamil calendar; the same day is observed as Mauni Amavasya in North India.

According to local belief, by fasting and offering special prayers on the Amavasai day of every month, their ancestors who have passed away will find peace.

Special prayers, rituals and offerings are made on the day for departed souls to rest in peace. People take a holy bath in one of the sacred water bodies. Shradh and Tarpan are offered.

Shradh is a significant Hindu ritual, also known as Pitru Paksha, where people honour and offer tributes to their ancestors (Pitrs) through specific rites like offering food, water (Tarpan), and rice balls (Pind Daan) to help their souls find peace and liberation in the afterlife, seeking blessings for family prosperity and well-being.

Tarpan (or Tarpana) primarily refers to a significant Hindu ritual of offering water, sesame seeds, and other sacred items to ancestors (Pitru), deities, and sages to satisfy them and ensure their peaceful journey.

Thousands of people take a dip at Rameshwaram and visit the Agnitheertham Kadarkarai (sea coast) in the morning to offer pujas to their dead ancestors.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
It's fascinating to read how the same day is observed as Mauni Amavasya in the North. Shows the beautiful diversity within our shared culture. Jai Hind.
S
Suresh O
While I respect the devotion, I hope the local administration ensures the sea coast is kept clean after such large gatherings. Spiritual practices and environmental responsibility should go hand in hand.
A
Anjali F
My thatha used to tell us stories about performing Tharpanam in Rameswaram. Seeing these pictures brings back so many memories. Our traditions are a bridge between generations. ❤️
D
David E
Visiting India and learning about rituals like Pitru Tharpanam has been a profound experience. The depth of respect for ancestors and family here is something truly special.
K
Karthik V
Agnitheertham has such powerful spiritual significance. Performing rituals there is believed to be very auspicious. Glad to see our age-old customs thriving.

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