The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has upheld a previous order permitting the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam on the ancient stone pillar (Deepathoon) atop Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai.
The decision settles a contentious dispute that arose over whether the ceremonial lamp could be lit at the historic site as part of the traditional festival observance.
The case was initiated by a petition from Hindu Tamil Party leader Rama Ravikumar, seeking judicial directions to light the lamp on the hilltop pillar during the Karthigai Deepam festival. Earlier, a single judge had ruled in favour of the petitioner, but implementation of the order had been stalled due to law and order concerns expressed by authorities. The division bench agreed with the earlier ruling, noting that the issue had been unnecessarily politicised and affirming the petitioner’s right to perform the ritual at the designated historic location.
Temple authorities have maintained that the ancient pillar has been a traditional site for the festival lamp for generations, aligned with established customs and Agama practices.
The High Court’s decision reinforces the cultural and religious significance of the ritual while underscoring the need for civil authorities to honour lawful directions when it comes to religious observances
