More than 1,000 people performed rituals for their ancestors at the Sri Jalakandeswarar Temple in Vandavasi on the occasion of Mahalaya Amavasya on Saturday.
People from Vandavasi and neighbouring villages gathered at the temple premises and sat in long queues to perform tarpanam, a ritual offering to honour their departed ancestors.
It is customary for people to perform the rites during Mahalaya Amavasya, which falls in the Tamil month of Purattasi.
Priests conducted the rituals by chanting Vedic hymns and using offerings such as coconuts, fruits, flowers and sesame seeds.
More than 1,000 people from villages around Vandavasi participated in the rituals and paid homage to their ancestors.
Devotees were captivated by the sight of a stone idol of Lord Murugan appearing to glow golden when sunlight fell directly on it at the Sri Arumuga Swamy Temple, dedicated to the deity along with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, in Pruthur village near Vandavasi.
About 20 years ago, local children reportedly found the idol in the ground while playing at their school. Residents retrieved it and began worshipping it.
About a year ago, villagers raised funds to build a temple and performed its consecration.
On Sunday and Monday, coinciding with Mahalaya Amavasya, sunlight fell directly on the idol, making it appear to shine in a golden hue.
The unusual sight drew residents, who offered prayers to Lord Murugan.
