Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Madras High Court Orders Deepam Lighting at Deepathoon Pillar
In Madurai, Tamil Nadu, there is a big argument about where to light a special festival lamp called the Karthigai Deepam.
Some people want to light it at a very old and special place called the Deepathoon pillar, which is on a hill near a dargah.
A judge named Justice GR Swaminathan said he is sad that the lamp is not being lit at this special place.
He hopes that one day, the tradition of lighting the lamp at the Deepathoon pillar will be restored.
The practice is said to be over 1,300 years old, but it stopped about 80 years ago.
The court has ordered the authorities to light the lamp at the Deepathoon pillar, but there are still arguments and protests about it.
Madras High Court judge Justice GR Swaminathan expressed disappointment over the ongoing Deepam row in Tamil Nadu.
The dispute involves lighting the Karthigai Deepam festival lamp at the historic Deepathoon pillar in Madurai.
Justice Swaminathan had initially felt happy about the arrangements to light the Deepam but was disappointed to learn it would not be lit at the Deepathoon pillar.
The practice of lighting the Deepam at Deepathoon is said to be over 1,300 years old and was stopped around 80 years ago.
The Madras High Court directed the HR&CE department to restore the lighting of the Deepam at Deepathoon, leading to protests and violence.
- Who
- Justice GR Swaminathan, devotees, HR&CE department, and community members.
- What
- Dispute over the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam festival lamp at the Deepathoon pillar.
- When
- The issue has been ongoing, with recent developments in December 2025.
- Where
- Madurai, Tamil Nadu, specifically at the Deepathoon pillar atop Thiruparankundram hill.
- Why
- Devotees seek to restore the traditional practice of lighting the Deepam at the historic location, while authorities and some community members have concerns.
Religious Traditions
Legal and Administrative Concerns
Lighting Location
Religious Traditions
Devotees argue that the Deepam should be lit at the historic Deepathoon pillar, as per the 1,300-year-old tradition.
Legal and Administrative Concerns
Authorities and some community members express concerns over the proximity to a dargah and potential disputes.
- Deepam Row
- Dispute over lighting the Karthigai Deepam festival lamp at the Deepathoon pillar in Madurai.
- Justice GR Swaminathan
- Madras High Court judge who expressed personal disappointment over the issue.
- Deepathoon Pillar
- Historic location atop Thiruparankundram hill where the Deepam was traditionally lit.
- HR&CE Department
- Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department directed to restore the lighting of the Deepam.
- Traditional Practice
- The practice of lighting the Deepam at Deepathoon is said to be over 1,300 years old.
