Lakhs of pilgrims flock Rameswaram shrine in 'Thai amavasai' day

More than three lakh pilgrims Monday thronged this pilgrim town to offer prayers to their forefathers on 'Thai amavasai' day. Thai Amavasai is considered an auspicious day to pray for the souls of forefathers.

The queue for taking bath in the 26 holy water sites in and outside the Sri Ramanathaswamy temple here extended up to four km, officials said. The 'Theerthavari' festival for Ramanathaswamy and Parvatha varthini was held at the Agni theertham sea near the temple. Over one lakh pilgrims took a dip in the sea.

Thousands of pilgrims gathered at Tiruppullani sea coast in Ramanathapuram district to pray for the souls of forefathers. They also offered prayers at the local Sri Jagannatha Swamy temple. People offered 'pitru pooja' on the banks of the Cauvery river in Tiruchirappalli.

(With inputs from agencies.)