Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Thirupparankundram Deepam Controversy Escalates
There's a big argument about lighting a special lamp called Karthigai Deepam at a holy place in Madurai called Thirupparankundram.
The court said it's okay to light the lamp, but the local government said no because they think it might cause problems.
The leader of a big Hindu group, Mohan Bhagwat, said that Hindus in Tamil Nadu are strong enough to solve this problem.
The BJP says the government is trying to please certain groups and not following the court's decision.
The government says they are trying to keep the peace.
Both Hindus and Muslims say the place is important to them, and there have been fights over who owns it.
The Madras High Court has permitted the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp at the Deepathoon pillar in Thirupparankundram, but the Tamil Nadu government has objected.
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat believes the 'awakening of Hindus in Tamil Nadu' will resolve the controversy, with Hindu organizations ready to intervene if necessary.
BJP Chief Nainar Nagenthran accuses the DMK government of appeasing minorities and challenging judicial authority, alleging double standards in accepting court judgments.
The Tamil Nadu government argues that the Deepam has traditionally been lit at the Uchi Pillaiyar temple and that there is no evidence to support the claim of a tradition of lighting it at the Deepathoon.
The controversy has escalated into a major political and judicial confrontation, with protests, clashes, and an impeachment motion against Justice G R Swaminathan.
- Who
- RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Madras High Court, DMK Government, BJP Chief Nainar Nagenthran, Justice G R Swaminathan
- What
- Controversy over lighting of Karthigai Deepam lamp at Thirupparankundram
- When
- Recent court rulings, December 10 (Bhagwat's statement), December 11 (BJP statement), December 12 (Madras High Court hearing)
- Where
- Thirupparankundram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
- Why
- Dispute over ownership and religious practices at the site, allegations of political motives and judicial challenges
Pro-Hindu Groups
Tamil Nadu Government
Lighting of Deepam
Pro-Hindu Groups
Pro-Hindu groups insist on lighting the Deepam at the Deepathoon pillar, citing tradition and court orders.
Tamil Nadu Government
The Tamil Nadu government argues that the Deepam has traditionally been lit at the Uchi Pillaiyar temple and that lighting it at the Deepathoon could disrupt peace.
Judicial Authority
Pro-Hindu Groups
Pro-Hindu groups support the Madras High Court's decision, accusing the government of challenging judicial authority.
Tamil Nadu Government
The government questions the court's directive, arguing that there is no evidence to support the claim of a tradition of lighting the Deepam at the Deepathoon.
Political Motives
Pro-Hindu Groups
BJP and pro-Hindu groups allege that the DMK government is appeasing minorities and targeting the judge to avoid implementing the court order.
Tamil Nadu Government
The DMK government maintains that it is acting to maintain law and order and peace between communities.
- Location
- Thirupparankundram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
- Key Figures
- Mohan Bhagwat (RSS Chief), Madras High Court, DMK Government, Nainar Nagenthran (BJP Chief), Justice G R Swaminathan
- Controversy
- Lighting of Karthigai Deepam lamp at Deepathoon
- Court Ruling
- Madras High Court permitted lighting, DMK government challenged it
- RSS Stance
- Believes Hindu awakening in Tamil Nadu will resolve the issue
- BJP Stance
- Accuses DMK of appeasing minorities and challenging judicial authority
- Government Stance
- Argues for maintaining status quo to prevent disruption of peace
Sources
Issue will be resolved favourably for Hindus: Mohan Bhagwat on Thirupparankundram Deepathoon controversy
Doesn’t augur well for democracy if TN govt aims to appease minorities: BJP chief
'What Is The Problem?': Madras HC Questions Tamil Nadu Govt Over Objection To Lighting Deepam
LS: BJP’s Anurag Thakur accuses DMK-led TN govt of ‘crushing’ sentiments of Hindus
