Rameswaram

A centuries-old ritual connected to Lord Shiva’s legendary fishing episode was performed at Mariyur village in Ramanathapuram district during Chitra Pournami celebrations, attracting a large number of devotees from across Tamil Nadu.

The ritual, called the “Net-throwing Patalam Thiruvilayadal,” took place at the historic Arulmigu Pavalamulattulli Sametha Poovendiya Nath Temple, believed to be more than one thousand years old. The temple is associated with the Ramanathapuram Samasthana Devasthanam.

Temple authorities said the event is held every year as part of a long-standing tradition symbolising Lord Shiva’s divine play and his union with Goddess Parvati. The story is one among the 64 Thiruvilayadal episodes mentioned in the Periya Purana written by Sekkizhar.

According to temple legends, Goddess Parvati was born as the daughter of a fisherman leader and wished to marry a brave man. The fisherman chief announced that whoever killed a giant shark troubling fishermen would marry his daughter.

Lord Shiva then appeared in the form of a fisherman, entered the sea and killed the shark by casting a fishing net. Priests also said the ritual symbolises the removal of a curse placed on Nandi, who was transformed into a fish.

During the ceremony, idols of Shiva and Parvati were taken in a grand procession to Mariyur beach with traditional music. A Shivacharya dressed as Lord Shiva reenacted the fishing scene from a boat before thousands of devotees gathered on the shore and nearby boats.

After the ritual, the Thirukalyana Utsavam, or divine wedding ceremony, was held at the temple. Special poojas and religious events were also conducted in Thoothukudi and Tiruvannamalai as part of Chitra Pournami celebrations attended by large numbers of devotees.