- Thiruparankundram hill dispute and Madras High Court ruling
- Subramanya Swamy temple land affirmed despite dargah presence
Hyderabad: The Madras High Court has delivered a key verdict on the long running dispute over lighting a lamp near a dargah on the Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai. The court allowed devotees to light a lamp near the stone pillar known as deepathoon. A two judge bench upheld an earlier order passed by a single judge. This decision has dealt a major blow to the Tamil Nadu government.
In its ruling, the court clearly stated that the area where the stone pillar is located belongs to the Subramanya Swamy temple. It rejected arguments linked to possible law and order problems. The bench observed that it is the duty of the government to ensure that religious rituals are not stopped by citing security concerns. The court also noted that the issue should have been resolved amicably instead of being prolonged.
Meanwhile, the court pointed out that Thiruparankundram hill is a protected area. Therefore, it said the Archaeological Survey of India officials should hold discussions and decide how many people can go there to light the lamp. The bench stressed that such decisions should balance heritage protection with the rights of devotees. It also reminded the government of its responsibility to facilitate lawful religious practices.
Thiruparankundram hill holds deep religious importance for devotees of Lord Murugan. At the same time, a dargah is also located on the hill. Disputes over the ownership of the hill date back to 1920. Even then, courts ruled that the entire hill belongs to the temple, while only some parts are associated with the dargah. However, disagreements continued over the years.
The present controversy resurfaced in 1994. At that time, a devotee sought permission to light a lamp near the old stone pillar close to the dargah. Since then, the issue has remained unresolved. Now, with the latest Madras High Court verdict, the path has been cleared for lighting lamps at the spot. Hindu groups and Murugan devotees have welcomed the decision.
Following the ruling, devotees described the verdict as a victory. They are now demanding that the government make arrangements through temple authorities. They also want the process to be smooth and free from obstacles. The judgment has once again brought attention to the sensitive balance between faith, heritage, and administration at Thiruparankundram hill.
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