Tiruchirappalli, Oct. 18 -- Thousands of devotees took a holy dip in the Akhanda Cauvery River at Thirupparaithurai on Sunday to mark the first day of the Tamil month of Aippasi, as Astra Devar underwent a ceremonial abhishekam with sacred offerings before the Theerthavari ritual.

The annual Thula Snanam festival was held on the banks of the river near the Tharukavaneswarar Temple, with devotees offering prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

As part of the rituals, sacred water sanctified during a yaga puja at the temple was poured into the Cauvery by temple administrators and local dignitaries.

Astra Devar was then given an abhishekam using sacred ash, turmeric, sandalwood paste, tender coconut water, rice flour, milk and rose wa...