In a significant ruling, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has permitted the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the original summit-lamp pillar atop Thirupparankundram hill on December 3, reviving a tradition that was halted during World War II under British-imposed safety restrictions.
The order was delivered while hearing a batch of petitions filed by Hindu Makkal Katchi members Rama Ravikumar and Solaikannan, who sought revival of the traditional ritual at its historic hilltop location.
For decades, the Deepam has been lit on a lower pillar near the Thirupparankundram temple, even though the historic “Deepa Thoon” at the hill’s summit was the traditional site.
The restriction dates back to 1912, when a legal case led to a prohibition on Hindus lighting the ceremonial lamp at the peak. Since then, the Deepam has been lit at an alternate spot known as the Moksha Deepam, a deviation that has long angered devotees who view it as a violation of their religious rights and an erosion of an ancient custom.
The petitions challenged the Subramaniya Swamy Temple administration’s decision to light the Deepam at the Deepa Mandapam, arguing it violates Agama Shastra principles and lacks historical precedent for that location. Petitioners claimed the summit pillar offers better visibility for devotees and aligns with ancient customs, citing 1862 and 1912 magistrate orders that restricted lighting elsewhere due to non-customary practices and potential law-and-order issues. They emphasized no communal risks, as the site is protected and monitored.
The court’s decision came in response to a petition seeking restoration of the original practice, arguing that no legal prohibition exists and that lighting the Deepam atop the hill carries greater spiritual significance and wider visibility.
The petitioners also highlighted that the summit pillar stands over 15 metres away from the nearby dargah, addressing concerns about religious sensitivities.
Temple authorities, supported by the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department and the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board, argued in favour of continuing the ritual at the lower pillar, citing logistical challenges and established practice.
After conducting a site inspection and hearing submissions from all sides, the High Court ruled that the centuries-old tradition should be restored. The bench held that there was no legal impediment to lighting the Deepam at the summit pillar and directed that the ritual be carried out there on December 3.
The order marks the reinstatement of a revered custom at one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest and most important Murugan shrines, ending a decades old dispute in the hilltop lighting of the Karthigai Deepam.
EXCELLENT NEWS from Madurai !
Hon’ble Madras High Court has allowed restoration of the tradition of lighting of the Karthigai Deepam atop Tirupparankundram Hill – which primary belongs to Sri Subramania Swamy Temple, Tirupparankundram
TN GOvt and @tnhrcedept were not for… pic.twitter.com/ctGYW3aHWB
— trramesh (@trramesh) December 1, 2025
In October 2025, the Madras High Court – Madurai Bench issued a landmark order banning the sacrifice of goats and chickens, and prohibiting the cooking or serving of non-vegetarian food on Thiruparankundram Hill. The court also declared that the hill should no longer be referred to as “Sikandar Hill.”
Source: Dinamalar
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