New Delhi: The ongoing dispute surrounding the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp at Thiruparankundram in Tamil Nadu has drawn national attention, with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat expressing confidence that the matter can be settled within the state. He stated that the issue is currently before the judiciary and should progress naturally through legal channels, adding that Tamil Nadu’s Hindu community has the capacity to bring about a favourable resolution.
During an interaction at an event in Tiruchirappalli, Bhagwat responded to a question on whether the matter should be taken up at a national level. He said the situation does not require outside intervention at present and can be addressed locally through the collective strength and awareness of Hindus in the state. Bhagwat also noted that Hindu organisations already active in Tamil Nadu would alert the Sangh if broader involvement becomes necessary. For now, he expressed confidence that the issue would conclude in a manner supportive of Hindu sentiments.
He reiterated that the RSS does not seek power or influence and that its work focuses on strengthening Hindu society without being opposed to any other religion.
The dispute intensified after the Tamil Nadu government approached the Supreme Court challenging a Madras High Court order that permitted devotees of the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple to light the traditional Karthigai Deepam lamp at Deepathoon, a stone lamp pillar on the Thiruparankundram hillock. The pillar is located near a dargah, which has been central to the ongoing disagreement.
The High Court initially ruled on December 1 that the temple must light the lamp at Deepathoon in addition to the customary lighting at the Uchi Pillaiyar Mandapam. The court clarified that the ritual would not infringe on the rights of the adjacent dargah or its community. When authorities did not implement the order, the court issued a subsequent directive on December 3 allowing devotees to climb the hill and light the lamp themselves, with CISF personnel instructed to ensure their safety.
The situation escalated when some devotees attempting to reach the site were reportedly stopped and detained by the Tamil Nadu Police, leading to heightened tensions and transforming a local dispute into a wider political and judicial flashpoint.
