Wed Dec 17 18:51:40 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court continued hearing appeals regarding a dispute over lighting the Karthigai Deepam at a stone pillar (believed to be a deepathoon) on Thirupparankundram hill. The original order directed the Subramaniya Swamy temple management to light the deepam at the pillar in addition to the usual spots. Appellants argue the state is complicating the issue by claiming the pillar isn’t a deepathoon and allege the state is not neutral in protecting their rights. Petitioners contend that lighting the deepam is an essential Hindu practice and the pillar’s status as a deepathoon hasn’t been disproven. Conflicting claims include the pillar being a Jain structure and the Waqf Board claiming the land.

News Article:

Madurai Court Hears Appeals in Temple Lighting Dispute

Madurai, December 18, 2025 – The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court continued hearing appeals Wednesday in a case concerning the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam festival at the Subramaniya Swamy temple in Thirupparankundram. At the center of the dispute is a stone pillar on the hill, which some claim is a “deepathoon,” a traditional lamp post.

The court is reviewing an earlier order by Justice G.R. Swaminathan, which directed the temple management to light the Karthigai Deepam at the pillar in addition to the traditionally lit spots. Appellants argue that the state government is attempting to complicate the matter by denying the pillar’s status as a deepathoon.

Senior counsel for the petitioners asserted that the state is not acting as a neutral party in protecting Hindu religious practices. He emphasized that lighting the deepam is an essential part of Hindu tradition. Competing claims suggest the pillar is a Jain structure, while the Waqf Board has also laid claim to the land.

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department and the temple management contend that there is no definitive proof that the pillar is, in fact, a deepathoon. The court will continue hearing arguments in the case.

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