The alleged attempt to rename the revered Thiruparankundram Hills as Sikandar Hill has sparked widespread outrage among Hindu organizations and devotees, who view it as a direct assault on the cultural and religious identity of the sacred site. A consultative meeting is scheduled to be held on 12 January 2025 at the RSD Tirumana Mandapam, Sannathi Street, Thiruparankundram, to oppose the alleged attempt to rename the first house in the six-unit complex on Thiruparankundram Kandarmalai as Sikandarmalai. The meeting, organized by Hindu organizations, devotees, and other groups, will also discuss plans for a continuous protest to protect the sanctity of the hill.
Controversy Over Dargah Practices
Recent tensions have arisen after an incident involving Syed Abu Thakir, a 53-year-old resident of Milambatti, Rajapalayam. Thakir attempted to sacrifice a goat at the dargah on Thiruparankundram Hill but was stopped by police. The action has led to protests by members of the SDPI party and several Islamic organizations, who allege that Muslims are being denied permission to offer prayers at the dargah.
However, Tamil Nadu’s social media verification agency has dismissed these claims, stating: “Fake news that permission to hold prayers at Thiruparankundram Malai Dargah has been denied!.”
திருப்பரங்குன்றம் மலை தர்காவில் தொழுகை நடத்த அனுமதி மறுத்ததாகப் பொய் செய்தி!@CMOTamilnadu @TNDIPRNEWS https://t.co/Uc0oaImDaw pic.twitter.com/uqIH9roMeL
— TN Fact Check (@tn_factcheck) January 6, 2025
However, protests and campaigns alleging religious discrimination have continued.
Hindu Organizations Respond
Hindu organizations have vehemently opposed the alleged attempts to rename the sacred Thiruparankundram hill as Sikandar Hills and alter its cultural identity. Hindu Makkal Katchi leader Arjun Sampath and other prominent figures will attend the meeting on 12 January 2025.
As reported in Dinamalar, Madurai district leader Solai Kannan expressed concerns, stating: “There is a Kashi Vishwanath temple on Thiruparankundram hill. From time to time, the vel is taken to the Kashi Vishwanath temple via the Palani Andavar temple hill path.
Saying ‘we will slaughter goats’ over the head of Lord Muruga, who resides at the foot of the hill, is an act of denigrating and insulting Lord Muruga. It hurts the minds of the devotees who go to the Kashi Vishwanath temple and is an act of taking away the right of worship and traditions of Hindus.”
Kannan further alleged that certain groups are conspiring to usurp Thiruparankundram Hill and create religious tensions. “Printing calendars and posters with the name Sikandarmalai, preventing devotees from accessing the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and attempting to change the identity of Lord Muruga’s sacred site are deliberate acts of provocation. These actions are intended to create unrest and violate the rights and traditions of Hindus,” he said.
The consultative meeting aims to galvanize support against the alleged renaming and prevent further encroachments. Hindu organizations and devotees have called for continuous protests to safeguard Thiruparankundram Hill’s sanctity and preserve its religious heritage.
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