Madras High Court Upholds Faith: The Lighting of the Karthigai Lamp on Thiruparankundram Hill

​In a landmark decision that resonates with millions of devotees, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has upheld a directive to light the sacred Karthigai Deepam lamp atop the historic Thiruparankundram hill. This ruling, delivered on January 6, 2026, marks a significant moment for the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan. The court has essentially cleared the path for a tradition that many believe to be centuries old, dismissing administrative objections that had previously stalled the ritual.

​The case has been more than just a legal battle over a lamp. It has been a conversation about religious freedom, historical evidence, and the role of the state in managing sacred spaces. For the people of Madurai and beyond, the sight of a flame atop the hill is not just a ritual; it is a symbol of spiritual victory and cultural identity.

​The Heart of the Conflict: A Pillar of Tradition

​The dispute centered around a specific stone pillar known as the "Deepathoon" or "Seegarathoon," located on one of the peaks of the Thiruparankundram hill. Devotees and activists argued that this pillar was specifically designed to hold a large oil lamp during the Karthigai Deepam festival. They pointed to historical records, including a 1961 publication by the temple devasthanam, which mentioned the tradition of lighting a ceremonial flame on this hilltop pillar.

​However, the state government and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department had raised several objections. They claimed that the practice had not been observed for nearly eighty years and that introducing it now could disrupt the existing "Agama Sastra," the traditional rules governing temple rituals. They also raised concerns about the proximity of the pillar to the Sikandar Badusha Dargah, which also sits on the hill, suggesting that the ritual could lead to communal tension.

​Trashing the "Imaginary Ghost" of Law and Order

​One of the most striking aspects of the High Court’s verdict was its sharp critique of the state’s handling of the situation. The Division Bench, comprising Justices G. Jayachandran and K. K. Ramakrishnan, described the government’s fear of communal unrest as an "imaginary ghost."

​The judges noted that the district administration had failed to provide any concrete evidence that lighting a lamp would actually cause a disturbance to public peace. They suggested that such fears were being manufactured for administrative or political convenience. The court went a step further, stating that it is the duty of a "mighty state" to facilitate peaceful religious practices rather than using "law and order" as an excuse to block them. By allowing a small, regulated team from the temple to perform the ritual, the court argued that any potential friction could be easily managed.

​Religious Freedom vs. Administrative Control

​At its core, this ruling is a strong affirmation of Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion. The bench ruled that lighting the Karthigai Deepam is an "essential religious practice" of the Subramaniya Swamy Temple. They held that such religious freedoms cannot be easily overridden by executive orders or administrative whims.

​The court also addressed the argument regarding "Agama Sastra." The judges found no "formidable evidence" to suggest that the traditional rules of the temple prohibited lighting a lamp at this specific hilltop location. In fact, they noted that lighting lamps at elevated vantage points is a recognized practice across many Hindu traditions, specifically designed so that devotees at the foothills can see the flame and offer their prayers.

​A Shared Hill: Balancing Faith and Heritage

​Thiruparankundram hill is a unique landscape where different faiths have coexisted for generations. It houses not only the ancient rock-cut Murugan temple but also the revered Sikandar Badusha Dargah. The court was careful to balance these interests.

​The ruling clarified that the stone pillar in question belongs to the temple's domain and is located at a safe distance—approximately 50 meters—from the dargah structure. To ensure harmony, the court directed a 15-meter buffer zone to be maintained from the dargah property. This ensures that while the Hindu ritual is restored, the sanctity and physical integrity of the Islamic site are also respected. The judges emphasized that the administration should see such occasions as opportunities for mediation and community building rather than conflict.

​Regulated Rituals and Archaeological Safety

​Because the Thiruparankundram hill is a protected archaeological site, the court did not grant an "unlimited" right to the public to climb the hill during the festival. Instead, it ordered a very structured and regulated process.

​The lamp will be lit exclusively by a designated team from the temple devasthanam. The general public will not be allowed to accompany this team to the hilltop pillar; instead, they are encouraged to watch and worship from the foothills. The court also mandated that the number of team members and the conditions for the event be decided in consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the local police. This balanced approach ensures that the ancient stone structures on the hill are preserved for future generations while the spiritual tradition is kept alive.

​Looking Forward: The Flame of Hope

​The verdict has been hailed as a major victory by heritage activists and devotees of Lord Murugan. For many, it represents the "restoration" of a lost piece of Tamil history. The court’s reminder that "defiance of court orders cannot be normalised" also serves as a stern warning to administrative officials who had previously stalled the single-judge's directive.

​As we move toward the next Karthigai Deepam festival, the eyes of the state will be on Madurai. The successful lighting of the lamp will be a test of the local administration's ability to coordinate with the ASI and maintain harmony. If done correctly, the flame atop Thiruparankundram will serve as a literal and metaphorical light, dispelling the "ghosts" of suspicion and showcasing a community that can celebrate its diverse traditions in peace.