Thu Dec 18 18:02:43 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
High Court Hears Arguments Over Deepam Lighting at Subramaniya Swamy Temple
MADURAI, INDIA – December 18, 2025 – The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court heard arguments Thursday regarding the lighting of Karthigai Deepam at a stone pillar (deepathoon) on Thirupparankundram hill, adjacent to the Subramaniya Swamy temple. Justice G.R. Swaminathan had previously directed the temple management to include the deepathoon in the lighting of the festival, in addition to the traditional locations.
The Tamil Nadu government, represented by Advocate-General P.S. Raman, informed the court that there is currently no empirical data to prove the stone pillar’s status as a deepathoon or its original purpose. The state clarified it had not formed an opinion on the stone pillar and wishes to remain neutral in the dispute. Raman stated no deepam had ever been lit there until now and a full inquiry would be needed to determine the pillar’s history. He further argued that Section 63(e) of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, provides the appropriate avenue for resolving the matter through the Board of Trustees, deeming a civil suit inappropriate.
Petitioners, represented by Senior Advocates S. Sriram and P. Valliappan, argued for the continuation of what they claim is a historical custom, citing a book that suggests the deepam was previously lit at the deepathoon on the hill. They expressed reluctance to pursue the matter through Section 63(e), alleging that the authorities had already taken a position against it. Valliappan also stated that even the dargah on the hill participates in the lighting of the deepam.
Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan, presiding over the Division Bench, reserved their orders after hearing all arguments. The case highlights a dispute between historical tradition and the lack of concrete evidence regarding the stone pillar’s purpose.
First Piper 