Real spirituality spreads peace, not division: TN CM amid row over lamp

Real spirituality spreads peace, not division, chief minister and DMK president MK Stalin said on Sunday while announcing new infra-development related schemes in Madurai, shortly after protests were held in the district over lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp atop the Deepathoon — the ancient stone lamp pillar.

- Divya Chandrababu

The Deepathoon issue became contentious last week after authorities denied permission for the lighting ceremony despite successive high court orders allowing it.

Speaking about the controversy at an event in Madurai on Sunday, the CM said: “The lighting of the sacred lamp at Tirupparankundram was done traditionally by the HR&CE Department. True devotees know this. Some groups are trying to provoke unrest for political gain.”