Hindu organization Hindu Munnani along with the RSS, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, along with the Bharatiya Janata Party are preparing for what they describe as one of the largest religious mobilisations in Tamil Nadu in recent years — the Muruga Bakthargal Maanadu/Murugan Devotees Conference, scheduled for 22 June 2025 in Madurai.
Organisers said the event, which will feature collective chanting of the Kanda Sashti Kavasam, is meant to foster “Hindu unity” and consolidate cultural solidarity. According to them, the mobilisation is being carried out by contacting pilgrimage groups at temples, meeting seers from mutts and various dominant OBC-caste groups.
VHP state general secretary Bala Manimaran described the gathering as “like going on an Ayyappa pilgrimage.” He said the event would bring together not just Lord Murugan’s devotees but also the followers of Sai Baba, Aadhiparasakthi, Mariamman, and over a dozen caste-based organizations.
BJP units in Trichy are looking after transport logistics for the event, employing two vans per ward and another per panchayat to aid in the movement of people. Local party cadres are sending daily updates through WhatsApp groups.
Hindu Munnani’s general secretary, M. Muruganandham, said over 50 lakh invitation pamphlets featuring Lord Murugan’s image had been printed and were being distributed across the state. In the Kongu region, the campaign includes traditional Valli Kummi performances to connect with local communities.
Thiruparankundram — one of Lord Murugan’s six sacred abodes — has become a flashpoint in the lead-up to the event. Some Sangh-affiliated leaders alleged there are attempts to rename the hill as “Sikandar Hill” and accused the DMK government of allowing its “Islamisation.” According to RSS (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry) zonal secretary (public outreach) B. Prakash, the aim of the conference was “spiritual awakening, not political gain.” “This is for Hindus’ spiritual unity to safeguard their rights. Many temple committee members, regardless of political affiliation, are supporting this. We are not asking for votes,” he said.
Organisers said actor Rajinikanth and television stars had been approached, and invitations had been extended to AIADMK leaders, including Edappadi K. Palaniswami, as well as Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and others who may be ideologically opposed to the event.
Some traditional pilgrimage groups, however, remain unsure whether to align with the event. In Edappadi, where over 60,000 devotees make their annual pilgrimage to Palani Temple, organisers said they had yet to reach a decision on their participation.
(With inputs from The New Indian Express)
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