Hindu Munnani has strongly condemned controversial remarks made by noted pattimandram speaker and moderator Solomon Pappaiah regarding the Thirupparankundram Deepam issue during a public debate held in Madurai in late January 2026.
The condemnation followed Pappaiah’s comments on the long-running dispute over where the ceremonial Deepam should be lit at the Tirupparankundram hill. Referring to the issue while moderating a pattimandram, Pappaiah reportedly remarked that if anyone claimed the Deepam should be lit on the hilltop instead of its traditional location, “only Lord Murugan himself should come and say it.”
The remark drew sharp reactions from Murugan devotees and Hindu organisations, who said the statement amounted to ridicule of faith and trivialised a matter that has already been adjudicated by the courts.
‘Did Anyone Ask You?’ – Hindu Munnani’s Response
In a strongly worded reaction, Hindu Munnani leaders questioned Pappaiah’s authority to comment on Hindu religious matters.
“Did anyone ask you? Did anyone ask whether the lamp should be lit here or there? What is your religion? Mind your own business,” a Hindu Munnani representative said in a video response circulating on social media.
The organisation accused Pappaiah of speaking in a manner that undermined Hindu beliefs while appearing to justify a government that, according to them, has shown reluctance to implement court verdicts in the Thirupparankundram issue.
They further alleged that his comments reflected animosity towards Hinduism. “What we are seeing now is that the hatred you carry in your heart against Hinduism has come out in the open,” a speaker associated with the organisation said.
Accusations of Mocking Faith and Judiciary
Hindu Munnani members said that Pappaiah’s reference to Lord Murugan “coming and deciding” the matter amounted to mockery of religious belief and disrespect to judicial institutions.
They pointed out that the Tirupparankundram hill has been legally recognised as belonging to Lord Murugan and questioned why objections were being raised to lighting the Deepam on the hilltop following the court verdict.
“After the court has ruled that the hill belongs to Murugan, what is wrong in lighting the Deepam on the hilltop?” they asked, adding that the remarks appeared to belittle a judgment delivered by a bench of three judges.
Call to Refrain From Commenting on Hindu Religious Matters
Hindu Munnani also criticised what they described as unsolicited interference in Hindu religious affairs.
“Why are you unnecessarily interfering in Hindu religious matters? Do we enter your religion and debate about the Virgin Mary or question Christian beliefs?” a representative asked, urging Pappaiah to refrain from commenting on Hindu traditions.
At the same time, they acknowledged his stature as a Tamil scholar and senior public figure, stating that he had earned respect for his contribution to Tamil discourse, but warned that such remarks risk eroding that respect.
Pappaiah Responds
Responding to the backlash, Solomon Pappaiah said the issue was being politicised. He questioned whether instructions about where the Deepam should be lit came from Lord Murugan himself or from individuals external to the tradition.
He also asked whether it was appropriate to issue opinions beyond a court verdict and said he was prepared to explain his remarks to those who opposed them.
“I am ready to offer an explanation to those who object to my views,” Pappaiah said.
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