ROW OF PILLARS

MUCH beyond the religious sentiments of two groups, the ongoing tussle over lighting of the Karthigai deepam at Thiruparankundram has turned into a fight where four pillars are involved, one atop the hill, and the other three being Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary - three arms of a democratic government.

- JEGADEESWARI PANDIAN @ Madurai

Though the matter is pending before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, the members of the bar, political and religious outfits and human rights groups keep the fire raging with backto-back protests and petitions. Adding fuel to the flames is the recent death by suicide of a 40-year-old man P Poornachandran in Tallakulam, purportedly demanding the lamp to be lighted on the hilltop.

The recent controversy started when a representation sent by Rama Ravikumar of Madurai on October 28, 2025, seeking permission to light the Karthigai deepam on the top of the hill (deepathoon was not mentioned) was rejected by the executive officer of Arulmigu Subramaniya Swami Temple in Thiruparankundram on November 3, saying the deepam would be lit on the usual spot at the mandapam near the Uchipillaiyar temple. Ravikumar, joined by three others, moved the HC, and Justice GR Swaminathan allowed their petitions on December 1 with a positive direction and the rest, of course, is history. This is but the latest chapter in a battle dating back to more than a century.

History of attempts

The first recorded attempt to light the Karthigai deepam on the hilltop is said to have been made as early as in 1862. This finds a mention in the judgment pronounced by the subordinate Judge of Madura, PG Rama Ayyar, on August 25, 1923, in the civil suit filed by the Thiruparankundram temple devasthanam in 1920, seeking declaration of title and possession of the hill.