A 1981 publication of the Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department has resurfaced amid the ongoing Thirupparankundram Deepam controversy, contradicting the current government’s position on the sanctity and historical use of the Deepathoon hilltop location. Page 129 of the department’s book Tirupparankunram clearly records Deepathoon as a traditional site where devotees placed and lit the Karthigai Deepam—directly conflicting with recent official claims that the hilltop was never meant for such rituals.
The text in the state-published book describes Deepathoon as a single rock on the hilltop which resembles a lamp when approached, noting that it is referenced in the works of Tamil scholars Nakkeerar and Kalasam. The book states that a flat surface above the rock marks “the first spot where devotees place the Deepam,” and adds that the practice has continued “even today” because worshippers regard the location as sacred.
According to the 1981 archaeological account, kings in earlier periods offered worship at Deepathoon, and Pandya rulers as well as common people performed rituals there. The site is also identified as Angalavettu, a name derived from its ritual significance.
The text states: “On the hilltop, there is a single rock known as Deepathoon. It gets this name because when one climbs the hill, this rock resembles a lamp (deepam). This Deepathoon is mentioned in the writings of the ancient Tamil scholars Nakkeerar and Kalasam. Above the stone lies a flat surface. From that place onward, the hill begins. It is believed to be the first spot where devotees place the Deepam (sacred lamp). Because of this, even today, devotees consider it sacred and continue the tradition of lighting the lamp there.”
Page 129 of the book Tirupparankunram published by TN Govt Archeological dept in 1981 .
Present Govt don’t even know this .Very sad !! https://t.co/Of95QfFIwR pic.twitter.com/N6CcV46oXg— Prof.S.Venugopalan🇮🇳 (@Gopalee67) December 6, 2025
Contradiction with Current Government Position
This documented history stands in stark contrast to the present DMK government’s administrative actions. Despite recent court orders permitting the lighting of the lamp on the hill, the state has denied permission, citing law and order concerns related to the proximity of a dargah and insisting the lamp should be lit only at a “traditional location” elsewhere. In fact, it was the government’s own HR&CE department that has to work for the welfare of the Hindu temples and devotees that filed a petition against the court order to prevent Hindus from lighting the lamp.
Despite two orders from the court, the state government and its police have not let Hindus go up the hill to light the lamp.
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