MADURAI In a significant judgment concerning the religious character of the historic Thiruparankundram hill, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has dismissed the argument that a stone pillar on the hill was merely a geographical “survey stone.” The court instead affirmed its identity as a Deepathoon (sacred lamp pillar) belonging to the Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple.
The Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai is a site of immense spiritual significance, housing one of the six abodes (Arupadaiveedu) of Lord Murugan. The hill also hosts the Sikandhar Badhusha Dargah, leading to occasional disputes over the usage and nature of specific sites on the terrain.
The current dispute centered on a stone structure located near the summit. While Hindu devotees and the temple administration said the structure was a historical Deepathoon used for lighting the holy fire during the Karthigai Deepam festival, certain parties associated with the Dargah argued the stone was a secular “survey stone” installed by authorities for land measurement purposes.
Justice G.R. Swaminathan, presiding over the case, conducted a careful review of historical records, photographs, and physical evidence. The Court found the “survey stone” argument to be “factually incorrect and historically unsustainable.”
The Judge noted that traditional survey stones are typically small, functional markers that don’t have the architectural features found in religious pillars. Justice Swaminathan observed the structure in question featured distinct receptacles designed to hold oil and wicks, a characteristic unique to a Deepathoon.
“A survey stone does not require a provision for lighting a lamp,” the Court remarked, adding that the location and height of the pillar aligned perfectly with ancient practices of lighting signals or holy lamps that could be seen by the town below.
The Court relied on several archival documents and evidence of long-standing religious practices at the site. Justice Swaminathan stressed the right to light the Deepam on the hill is a fundamental part of the temple’s traditions.
The ruling also touched on the importance of maintaining the status quo and religious harmony. By officially recognizing the pillar as a Deepathoon, the Court has reinforced the rights of the temple administration to maintain the structure and perform traditional rituals without interference.
Legal experts suggest this judgment is a crucial precedent in cases where secular labels are applied to ancient religious structures to contest their identity. By focusing on the “physical features and functional history” of the structure, the Court has provided a roadmap for resolving similar archaeological-religious disputes.
For the devotees of Lord Murugan, the verdict comes as a major relief ahead of upcoming festival seasons, ensuring the age-old tradition of the Thiruparankundram Deepam remains legally protected and culturally preserved.
Also Read / Split Verdict: Supreme Court Denies Bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam; 5 Others Granted Relief.
Leave a comment