The Madras High Court has delivered a significant ruling permitting the lighting of the sacred Karthigai Deepam at Thirupparankundram Hill, one of Tamil Nadu’s most revered Murugan shrines. The Madurai Bench dismissed the Tamil Nadu government’s objections and strongly criticized attempts to use administrative power to interfere in long-standing religious practices.
A Division Bench comprising Justice G. Jayachandran and Justice K. K. Ramakrishnan upheld a previous single-judge order, confirming that the Deepathoon, the stone pillar used for lighting the ceremonial lamp, is located on land belonging to the Sri Subramania Swamy Temple. The judges ruled that the temple administration has the right to perform the ritual at the site.
The court observed that the state government and other appellants failed to provide convincing evidence to show that lighting a deepam at the hilltop violates Saivite Agama traditions. It also noted that neither the temple authorities nor the government had claimed that the ritual was not part of Thirupparankundram’s customary religious practices.
In sharp remarks, the bench rejected the government’s claim that allowing the ritual could disturb public peace. The judges said it was unreasonable for a powerful state to fear that a single ceremonial lamp, lit once a year by temple representatives, could trigger law-and-order problems. The court added that such disruption would only occur if it were deliberately created and warned against using political motives to interfere in religious affairs.
To ensure safety and heritage protection, the High Court laid down clear conditions. The deepam must be lit only by the temple administration’s authorized team, and no members of the public will be allowed to accompany them. The number of participants will be decided in consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India and the police, while the district collector will oversee the event. The ASI has also been directed to impose appropriate restrictions to safeguard the hill, which is protected under ancient monument laws.
Following the verdict, Tamil Nadu Minister S. Regupathy said the government disagreed with the ruling and would consider moving the Supreme Court. He argued that no evidence had been produced to prove the ritual was performed earlier and questioned why a new practice should be introduced.
Petitioner Rama Ravikumar welcomed the judgment, calling it a victory for devotees of Lord Muruga. The Bharatiya Janata Party also hailed the ruling, saying it protected religious traditions and temple rights.
Thirupparankundram is one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Muruga and holds immense spiritual importance for millions of devotees. The High Court’s decision is being seen as a reaffirmation of the right to practice age-old traditions while ensuring that heritage and law-and-order concerns are responsibly managed.