Tension flared at Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai after a group of Hindu activists clashed with the police over the location for lighting the Karthigai Deepam.
The situation turned tense when the protesters insisted that the ceremonial lamp be lit at the ancient Deepathoon pillar near the dargah, instead of the place where it is usually lit during the annual festival.
The activists attempted to move towards the hilltop for the ritual but were stopped by the Tamil Nadu Police, who had been deployed in large numbers to prevent any disturbance to law and order. This led to arguments and a brief scuffle between the two sides.
In the chaos, two police personnel were allegedly injured. As the protesters refused to disperse, authorities imposed Section 144 in the area to prevent further gatherings and restore calm.
What led to the tensions?
Earlier, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had directed that the Karthigai Deepam be lit at the site requested by the petitioner, which was closer to the Deepathoon pillar.
However, the temple administration did not carry out the lighting at that spot. This became the main trigger for the protest, with activists accusing officials of ignoring the court’s earlier direction, according to a report by News18.
Later, an appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu government was allowed by the Madurai Bench. Justice Jayachandran took up the case as a priority matter and observed that the lamp would not be lit at the newly suggested location. He noted that the Deepam had already been placed at the temple hilltop as per long-standing tradition associated with the festival.
Several BJP leaders criticised the DMK government and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department over the incident. Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai accused the state government of showing hostility towards Sanatan Dharma and questioned why devotees were stopped from performing a religious ritual.
All about Karthigai Deepam
Karthigai Deepam, also known as Karthika Deepam, is an important festival in Tamil Nadu celebrated during the full moon of the Tamil month of Karthigai.
It marks the worship of Lord Shiva in his Agni (fire) form. The grand Mahadeepam at the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai draws millions of devotees each year and is among the most significant religious events in the state.
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