Rameswaram, May 2 -- A unique and centuries-old ritual depicting Lord Shiva's legendary fishing episode was enacted before a large gathering of devotees at Mariyur village in Ramanathapuram district on the occasion of Chitra Pournami.

The ritual, known as the 'Net-throwing Patalam Thiruvilayadal', was performed at the historic Arulmigu Pavalamulattulli Sametha Poovendiya Nath temple, which is associated with the Ramanathapuram Samasthana Devasthanam and is believed to be over a thousand years old.

"Every year during Chitra Pournami, the Net-throwing Patalam scene from the Thiruvilayadal episodes is enacted here as part of a longstanding tradition. This ritual symbolises Lord Shiva's divine play and his union with Goddess Parvati," a tem...