Madurai, Tamil Nadu’s ancient temple city, is ablaze with spiritual fervor as lakhs of Lord Murugan devotees flood the Muruga Bakthargalin Aanmeega Maanadu (Spiritual Conference of Murugan Devotees), a historic 10-day event organized by Hindu Munnani, which kicked off on June 22, 2025. This first-of-its-kind conference, held on an unprecedented scale at Amma Thidal near Pandikovil in Madurai, has drawn an estimated five lakh devotees from across Tamil Nadu and beyond, signaling a powerful wave of Hindu consciousness that has left the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its Dravidianist allies visibly unsettled ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
A Historic Celebration Of Murugan Devotion
Marking a milestone in Tamil Nadu’s spiritual landscape, the Murugan Conference is the state’s largest-ever gathering dedicated to Lord Murugan, the revered Tamil deity embodying valor, wisdom, and devotion. The event features a stunning replica of Arupadai Veedu—the six sacred abodes of Murugan, which includes Palani, Thiruchendur, Swamimalai, Thiruthani, Pazhamudhircholai and Thiruparankundram—drawing devotees from every corner of Tamil Nadu to offer prayers and immerse themselves in devotion. From rural villages to urban centers, the faithful have thronged Madurai, creating a sea of saffron that underscores Tamil Nadu’s unbreakable bond with its Hindu heritage.
The conference’s inclusivity stands out, with special arrangements made for specially-abled individuals, ensuring they can participate fully in the spiritual experience. Wheelchair-accessible pathways, dedicated assistance counters, and priority access to prayer zones have been lauded by attendees, reflecting the organizers’ commitment to universal devotion.
பெரிய கோவில்களில் கூட.. இப்படி கவனிக்க மாட்டாங்க.. நெகிழ்ந்த மாற்றுத்திறனாளி#tamiljanam #madurai #muruganmanadu #murugan #bjp #HinduMunnani pic.twitter.com/WSTJS6gBZq
— Tamil Janam (@TamilJanamNews) June 21, 2025
A Star-Studded Gathering
The event has attracted high-profile guests from across India, amplifying its national significance. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, known for his staunch advocacy of Hindu causes, and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, a vocal supporter of Sanatana Dharma, are among the prominent figures joining the conference. Their presence has energized devotees and lent political weight to the gathering. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his June 8 visit to Madurai, rallied support for the event, accusing the DMK of disrespecting Hindu traditions by referring to Thiruparankundram Hill as “Sikandar Hill.” The participation of such leaders has framed the conference as a unifying force for Hindus nationwide.
Political Tensions: BJP vs. DMK
The massive turnout and high-profile endorsements have sparked a fierce political showdown between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the DMK. The BJP, leveraging Murugan’s cultural resonance, has positioned the conference as a symbol of Hindu unity and a counter to the DMK’s Dravidianist ideology, which has historically questioned religious orthodoxy. The Madras High Court’s recent rulings, striking down restrictive police conditions like mandatory vehicle passes and permitting miniature temple installations for pre-event rituals, have further emboldened organizers, who see these as victories against the DMK’s alleged anti-Hindu stance.
The DMK, visibly disturbed by the thronging crowds, has dismissed the conference as a “Sanghi political stunt” aimed at polarizing voters. Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister PK Sekar Babu downplayed the event, claiming the DMK’s own Murugan conference in Palani in 2024 drew 7–8 lakh devotees from 27 countries without political motives. DMK allies, including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Communist Party of India (CPI), have echoed this, with filmmaker and DMK supporter Ameer Sultan publicly objecting to the conference as a “divisive tactic” that exploits Murugan devotion for political gain.
Rising Hindu Consciousness Disturbs DMK
The conference’s success has visibly disturbed the DMK and its Dravidianist ecosystem, which has long dominated Tamil Nadu’s political narrative. The DMK’s historical anti-Hindu rhetoric, exemplified by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks against Sanatana Dharma, has alienated many devout Tamils. Hindu Munnani leaders argue that the DMK’s initial opposition to the conference—through police restrictions and public protests—betrays its fear of a united Hindu vote.
In response, the DMK and its allies have mounted a counter-offensive. VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan and CPI’s R. Mutharasan led protests, including a human chain in Madurai on June 19, to oppose what they call the “Sangh Parivar’s” divisive agenda. Critics argue that the conference, timed strategically before the 2026 elections, risks fracturing Tamil Nadu’s social harmony. DMK supporter Advocate S. Vanchinathan warned of parallels with the Ram Janmabhoomi campaign, urging vigilance against politicized religion. The DMK has also highlighted its own Murugan conference in Palani to deflect anti-Hindu accusations, though its failure to condemn groups like Karuppar Kootam, which insulted Murugan, continues to fuel devotee anger.
A Defining Moment?
As Madurai reverberates with devotion, the Murugan Devotees Conference is more than a spiritual milestone—it’s a potential game-changer in Tamil Nadu’s political arena. The BJP sees it as a golden opportunity to expand its influence in a Dravidian stronghold, while the DMK grapples with the implications of a resurgent Hindu consciousness. With over five lakh devotees defying obstacles to attend, the event underscores a growing assertion of Hindu identity that could reshape the state’s electoral future.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
