The Hindu Munnani has strongly condemned what it calls another deliberate attempt by Islamist groups to organize a Kandhuri festival on a hill considered sacred in Hindu tradition Athri Hill, situated a Lord Shiva temple. The group has also taken offense to the hill being referred to as “Sadai Hills” in an official notice promoting the event.
This isn’t the first such controversy. In a previous incident, there was an attempt by Islamist groups to hold a similar Kandhuri celebration on the Thiruparankundram Murugan Hills a revered site in Hinduism which included plans to sacrifice goats and hens. They also referred ‘Thiruparankundram‘ as ‘Sikkandar Hills’. That event triggered widespread public outrage and protests. Now, another similar move is reportedly underway.
Historical and Religious Significance of Athri Hill
Athri Hill lies within the Pothigai mountain range, near the village of Alwarkurichi in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district. According to Hindu belief, the hill holds immense spiritual value. Around 2,500 years ago, the sage Athiri is said to have journeyed to this location with his wife Anusya Devi and disciples to perform intense penance to Lord Shiva. Moved by the sage’s devotion, Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared to him in a divine vision. The site was thereafter known as Athri Maharishi Hill, and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Sage Athiri was later established at the location.
Controversy Over Upcoming Event
The current dispute emerged after a notice was circulated, announcing plans to hold the 546th Kandhuri Ziyarat at a dargah situated on the hill. The event is scheduled for 9 August 2025, and the notice has left local Hindu devotees shocked and outraged.
The notice, which begins with “786, Sadaimalai,” reads:
Date: 09.08.2025, Saturday
Location: Kotharibhavan, Gauthali Nayagam Oliyuallah Dargah
Event: 546th Kandhuri Ziyarat Invitation
“On the 14th day of the month of zafar pirai in the Hijri year 1447, corresponding to the 24th day of the Aadi month Tamil year 1200, Saturday, 09.08.2025, the flag will first be taken out from the Dargah at 11:00 AM. At 11:30 AM, the flag will be hoisted at the larger Dargah located above. Following this, Fatiha will be recited, prayers will be offered, and offerings will be distributed. We kindly request the public to gather in large numbers, extend their support, and fulfill their vows. Therefore, we cordially invite all members of the public to attend and grace the Kandhuri festival. As always, we request your generous donations to help with the festival.”
Hindu Munnani and local Hindu communities view this as yet another encroachment upon a site of deep religious importance and are calling for authorities to intervene to protect the sanctity of Athri Hill.
சென்னிமலை மற்றும் திருப்பரங்குன்றம் மலையை அடுத்து நாம் வணங்கும் மலைகள் அனைத்தையும் மதம் மாற்ற துடிக்கும் மர்ம கும்பல் அத்திரி மலையை சடை மலையாக மாற்ற முயற்சி #அத்திரிமலை #savetemples அத்திரி மலை வரலாறு, கோரக்க சித்தர், #அத்திரி மகரிஷி, #lordshiva #historicaltemple #HinduMunnani pic.twitter.com/Ef9K929b52
— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) July 25, 2025
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