Archive · 2 Dec 2025
Madurai Court Orders Karthigai Deepam at Ancient Pillar
The Madurai High Court has ordered that the Karthigai Deepam festival lamp should be lit at two places: the usual spot near the Uchi Pillaiyar Temple and also at an ancient stone lamp pillar called Deepathoon on the Thirupparankundram hill.
This decision comes after a long-standing dispute about where the lamp should be lit.
The temple management and the Dargah (a nearby mosque) had opposed lighting the lamp at Deepathoon, saying it was too close to the mosque.
However, the court ruled that Deepathoon is on temple land and lighting the lamp there is important to protect the temple's rights.
The court also said that lighting the lamp at Deepathoon is a tradition and that the pillar was made for this purpose.
The decision is likely to be challenged in an appeal.
Madurai High Court orders Karthigai Deepam to be lit at both Uchi Pillaiyar Temple and Deepathoon.
Deepathoon is an ancient stone lamp pillar on the lower peak of Thirupparankundram hill.
Temple management and Dargah trustees opposed the move, citing proximity to the mosque.
Court ruled Deepathoon is on temple land and lighting there asserts temple's legal rights.
Decision likely to be challenged in an appeal.
- Who
- Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, Temple Management, Dargah Trustees
- What
- Order to light Karthigai Deepam at Deepathoon and Uchi Pillaiyar Temple
- When
- December 3
- Where
- Thirupparankundram hill, Madurai
- Why
- To assert temple's rights over the hill and protect its property
- Festival
- Karthigai Deepam
- Date
- December 3
- Location
- Thirupparankundram hill, Madurai
- Ancient Pillar
- Deepathoon
- Temple
- Uchi Pillaiyar Temple
- Court
- Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court
- Judge
- Justice GR Swaminathan
- Distance from Mosque
- 50 metres