Karthigai Deepam Controversy Reaches Supreme Court: Temple Festival Sparks Political and Legal Turmoil in Tamil Nadu

New Delhi, India: The traditional Karthigai Deepam festival in Tamil Nadu has stirred political and legal tensions, bringing the Stalin-led DMK government before the Supreme Court. The issue centers around the lighting of the Mahadeepam on the hilltop at Thirupparankundram, which some groups claim has been restricted in violation of tradition.

On Thursday evening, BJP leaders and right-wing supporters staged protests when police denied permission to light the hilltop lamp, despite Madurai Bench of Madras High Court orders lifting restrictions on large-scale celebrations. The case is now under consideration by a bench of CJI Sunil Suryakant and Justice J. Bagchi, who indicated that the petition will be listed for hearing after reviewing submissions from the Tamil Nadu government.

Significance of Karthigai Deepam

Karthigai Deepam is a prominent South Indian festival dedicated to Lord Murugan (also known as Karthikeya or Subramanya Swami), celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthigai Purnima. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, prosperity, and the dispelling of evil. Rows of clay lamps are lit, culminating in the lighting of a giant Mahadeepam on the Annamalai hill, which shines visibly for kilometers, representing Lord Shiva’s eternal column of fire.

Legal Background and Recent Developments

Historically, the Mahadeepam near the Uchipillayar Temple has been lit since 1862, about 15 meters from a nearby dargah. In 2014, a two-judge bench of Madras High Court restricted lighting the lamp atop the pillar. Recently, a petition was filed seeking permission to light the lamp on the hilltop, and the High Court allowed the ritual while directing temple authorities to manage arrangements.

Despite this, the state government imposed restrictions on large gatherings, citing public safety and potential harm to local communal harmony. Temple authorities followed the government order, lighting the lamp at a lower location. A contempt petition filed in response led the court to permit ten petitioners and CISF personnel to access the site, while Tamil Nadu’s appeal was rejected.

Political Reactions

Right-wing groups celebrated the court’s order, gathering at the lower slopes of the hill. BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagendran accused the DMK government of ignoring court orders and acting against Hindu religious sentiment. Petitioner Ram Ravikumar expressed frustration over the government’s non-compliance, pledging to continue pursuing legal remedies.

The DMK government, however, defended its position, emphasizing adherence to the 2014 High Court ruling. State Minister S. Raghupati alleged that right-wing organizations are attempting to exploit the issue ahead of next year’s Assembly elections. He further clarified that Karthigai Deepam, celebrated for Lord Murugan by Tamils, is not exclusively a Hindu festival, countering claims by opposition groups.

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