The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Rameswaram gears up for receiving devotees

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Wednesday, Mar 02, 2011
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Rameswaram gears up for receiving devotees

Temple authorities make special arrangements for conducting Maha Sivarathiri festival

Rameswaram, one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage centres in the country, is all set to receive Siva Bhakthars and Sivanadiars from different parts of the country in view of Maha Sivarathiri that falls on Wednesday.

It is a pilgrimage centre of nationwide importance. It is also known as the Varanasi of the South. The town is not only a major pilgrimage centre for Shaivites but also Vaishnavaites. Though the island-town has many attractions, Adam's Bridge, which is believed to be created by Lord Rama and his army to reach Sri Lanka, has become yet another attraction for tourists in the recent years.

Ever since the start of Maha Sivarathiri festival, one of the famous festivals of Ramanathaswamy Temple, on February 23, the town has been receiving a large number of pilgrims from across the country. Temple authorities said that the shrine would be opened from the early hours during the festival days. For the benefit of devotees, particularly Shaivites, to be in the temple during the night on Wednesday, the temple would be kept open for 24 hours continuously. Besides Lord Ramanathaswamy, all the other Siva idols have also been decorated.

It is expected that Sivanadiars will perform special pujas. Special arrangements have been made by the temple authorities for the Maha Sivarathiri festival.

The temple car will be taken around the important streets of Rameswaram on Thursday. The festival will come to a close on Sunday.

C. Jaishankar

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