The Aryavarth Express
Chennai (Tamil Nadu):
The controversy surrounding the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at Thiruparankundram hill in Tamil Nadu continues to escalate, with leaders from different communities presenting conflicting claims.
DMK leader TKS Elangovan on Thursday alleged that fringe groups associated with the BJP were deliberately creating unrest ahead of elections. He said that the tradition of lighting the Karthigai Deepam at the hilltop has been followed for hundreds of years and accused these groups of targeting Hindu worshippers in the region.
“They want to create trouble. For centuries, the Karthigai Deepam has been lit in a particular area, and there was no issue earlier. Now, as elections approach, they are stirring controversy. This is not against anyone else; it is against the Hindus of Thiruparankundram who have been lighting the lamp for generations. They are fighting against Hindus while claiming they are opposing the DMK,” Elangovan said.
In response, Sikkandar Dargah Secretary Arif Khan disputed these claims, stating that there is no historical evidence to suggest that lamps were traditionally lit at the disputed site. He maintained that the practice was limited to the Uchi Pillaiyar Temple and not the dargah area.
“There is no proof that lamps were lit at that location earlier. Traditionally, the lamp has only been lit at the Uchi Pillaiyar Temple. Even earlier court orders did not describe the structure as a deepathoon (lamp pillar),” Khan told.
The issue has also reached the judiciary. On December 11, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court allowed a peaceful hunger strike to be held at Thiruparankundram on December 13 by groups demanding permission to light the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon atop the hill.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over religious practices and historical claims at the site, with political overtones adding to the sensitivity of the issue.
