Image Source: Dinamalar
An incident involving the alleged installation of a cross and conduct of Christian prayers on Yanai Malai near Othakadai in Madurai has triggered controversy, with Hindu organisations raising objections and calling for action.
As reported in Dinamalar, a group of individuals recently climbed Yanai Malai and conducted prayers after placing a cross on the hill. Photographs of the event were later shared online, drawing criticism from several Hindu groups.
Yanai Malai is regarded as sacred by many Hindus in the surrounding villages, who worship the hill as a deity. The site is also historically significant as it contains Jain beds and comes under the control of the Archaeological Department.
Following the incident, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) filed a complaint with the Othakadai police seeking legal action. Harihara Puthiran, State Secretary of the BJP’s Tamil Literature and Tamil Development Wing, stated in his complaint that some members of a Christian organisation had climbed the hill, placed a cross there, and conducted prayers.
He alleged that the act amounted to an attempt to encroach upon a site revered by local Hindus and could potentially create religious tensions in the area. He urged the police to take appropriate legal action against those responsible.
Hindu organisations also expressed concern over the development. Representatives of the groups alleged that similar attempts had previously been made at Thirupparankundram hill and warned that regular prayer gatherings at Yanai Malai could eventually lead to attempts to establish religious claims over the site.
They called upon both the police and the Archaeological Department to monitor the situation and prevent any encroachment.
Madurai Superintendent of Police Aravind stated that although Yanai Malai is maintained by the Archaeological Department, it remains a public place. He added that the police were conducting an inquiry to ascertain whether cross worship had taken place at the site.
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