Tamil Nadu Law Minister Nirmalkumar has said that the “previous status quo” will continue in the Thiruparankundram matter. Welcoming the statement, T.R. Ramesh, president of the Temple Devotees Association, has called for a closer look at what that earlier position was—from the Sangam era to the 19th century.
Citing Tamil classics such as Thirumurugatrupadai, Paripadal and Silappathikaram, he said Thiruparankundram has been revered for over two millennia as a Murugan hill shrine, with long-standing festival traditions. He also referred to the practice of lighting the Karthigai Deepam on the hill, describing it as a historic custom.
Ramesh noted that disruptions may have occurred during the period between the Sultanate rule in parts of Madurai and the rise of the Vijayanagar empire. He further pointed to a Privy Council ruling during British rule that recognised the hill as Murugan’s, except for a small portion cited as a gooseberry grove.
He said later court orders—according to his account—also upheld the right to light the Karthigai Deepam on the hill’s lamp pillar, and claimed there was no objection from local Muslims to the practice. He urged that court rulings be respected and that the earlier arrangements be restored.
In addition, he alleged irregularities in the temple’s administrative control, arguing that Thiruparankundram temple historically formed part of the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Devasthanam and should be re-linked to it. He demanded the removal of the executive officer and called for the traditional Karthigai Deepam to be lit again on the hill as per established practice and judicial directions.
