Relevance for UPSC: GS I (Art & Culture), GS II (Polity & Governance); Source: The Indian Express; Madras High Court order

Context

The Madras High Court permitted the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam (ceremonial lamp) on a stone pillar at Thirupparankundram Hill near Madurai, resolving a sensitive dispute involving religious practice, historical interpretation, public order, and monument protection. The case required balancing faith-based traditions with constitutional governance and heritage conservation.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Thirupparankundram Hill is a classic example of composite and layered heritage:

• Hindu: Home to the Arulmigu Subramanian Swamy Cave Temple, one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan.
• Jain: Presence of ancient rock beds and inscriptions, indicating early Jain ascetic activity.
• Islamic: The dargah of Sufi saint Sikkandar Badusha located at the summit.

Colonial-era decisions (1923) recognised most of the hill and access paths as temple property, while acknowledging specific areas near the dargah as Muslim property, reflecting historical coexistence as well as overlapping claims.

Legal Issue and Court’s Ruling

The dispute hinged on whether the stone structure was a Deepathoon (lamp pillar) or merely a survey marker.
The Court held that:

• The structure is a functional Deepathoon, capable of holding oil and wicks.
• Lighting the lamp constitutes revival of an established religious practice, not a new assertion of rights.
• Law-and-order concerns were manageable, not a valid ground for denial.

Safeguards imposed:

• Ceremony limited to a small authorised group, with no public congregation.
• Oversight by the District Collector.
• Compliance with Archaeological Survey of India norms to protect the monument.

Constitutional and Governance Dimensions

• Article 25: Freedom of religion, subject to public order, morality, and health.
• Article 26: Rights of religious denominations to manage their affairs.
• Highlights the judiciary’s role in harmonising religious freedom with secular administration and heritage protection.

One-line UPSC takeaway: Thirupparankundram Hill shows how India’s plural religious history necessitates constitutional balancing between faith, public order, and heritage conservation.

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Thirupparankundram Hill:

1. Thirupparankundram Hill reflects Hindu, Jain, and Islamic religious traditions evolving over different historical periods.
2. The Madras High Court allowed unrestricted public participation in the Karthigai Deepam ceremony at the hilltop.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)