A dispute over a cross installed on Lingamalai hill near Malampatti village in Pudukkottai district has intensified, with local Hindus alleging that attempts are being made to take control of the hill and restrict their traditional worship practices.
Lingamalai is located in Malampatti village under Perambur Panchayat, in the Viralimalai block of Pudukkottai district. According to local residents and Hindu organisations, the hill is associated with an ancient Shiva temple dating back nearly 1,000 years. They state that even Rajaraja Chola visited the hill and performed puja to the Shiva Lingam.
The site is also said to contain old inscriptions, sculptures, a Nandi statue and the remains of a mandapam. Hindu Munnani has previously submitted complaints seeking protection of the hill and its historical structures.
Cross Installed on Lingamalai
According to Hindu residents, around 20 years ago, Christian missionaries installed a cross on Lingamalai and began referring to it as ‘Kalvari Malai’ or ‘Saveriyar Malai’. They allege that this was part of an attempt to change the religious identity of the hill, which has traditionally been known as Lingamalai.
The residents state that the cross was installed despite the presence of the ancient Shiva temple and that attempts have since been made to develop the area around it.
The issue had earlier been taken up with the revenue department. According to the Hindu complainants, officials intervened and stated that the cross should be removed. Both sides were reportedly asked not to visit the disputed area or undertake any work there.
However, residents now allege that Christian groups are returning to the hill under the pretext of conducting prayer meetings. They state that maintenance work is being carried out around the cross and that the approach road is being cleared.
Prayer Meetings Allegedly Being Used To Obstruct Hindu Worship
Local Hindus say that they have been performing regular pujas at the Shiva temple and conducting Girivalam around the hill on every Pournami.
They allege that the proposed prayer meetings are being organised to interfere with these existing Hindu worship practices and gradually establish control over the hill.
According to the complainants, when local Hindus questioned the Christian groups about their activities, they were attacked. They further allege that despite approaching the police and revenue authorities and seeking action against those involved, no effective action was taken against the people they accused.
Instead, Hindu residents who questioned the activities were arrested.
Complaints from 12 villages; allegations against police and revenue officials
The residents further state that people from 12 surrounding villages have collectively submitted complaints to the Superintendent of Police and the District Collector, seeking intervention to protect Lingamalai. They allege that no action has been taken on these representations so far.
They have also accused local authorities of conducting what they describe as ‘kangaroo courts’, pressuring Hindus to leave the disputed location and allegedly offering them Rs 40 lakh to give up their claims.
The complainants have made serious allegations of police corruption as well. They have specifically named Mathur Inspector Thangam, alleging that he is aware of the developments and is involved in the handling of the dispute. They have further alleged that the police have been bribed to act against the Hindu residents.
These allegations, including that of assault, bribery, arrests and the alleged cash offer, require investigation and responses from the officials concerned.
Hindu Munnani seeks protection for Lingamalai
Hindu Munnani has also renewed its complaint to the Pudukkottai Superintendent of Police, alleging that Christian groups have resumed maintenance work around the cross and are clearing the access path despite the earlier revenue department intervention. The organisation has sought action to prevent further activity at the disputed site.
A representative of the organisation has urged local Hindus to form a Lingamalai Protection Committee, document the site’s historical remains and take steps to restore and preserve the temple. He has also called for Hindu organisations to support residents in protecting the hill.
Drawing a parallel with the mobilisation at Chennimalai, he urged people from the surrounding villages to unite and press the authorities to act.
The dispute now raises several questions for the district administration: What was decided at the earlier revenue department peace meeting? Was there a formal order directing the removal of the cross? Why are residents alleging that activities have resumed despite those directions? And what action has been taken on the complaints submitted by people from 12 villages?
The authorities will also need to address the allegations of assault, selective police action and corruption made by the residents.
For the people protesting at Lingamalai, the issue is not merely the presence of a cross. They say it concerns the protection of an ancient temple, their continued access to a place of worship and the administration’s failure to act on their complaints.
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