Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan issued a press statement on January 23 emphasizing the cultural and spiritual importance of Lord Murugan to Tamils. Just as Tamil is integral to Tamil identity, Lord Murugan, often called the “Tamil God,” holds a sacred place in every Tamil household. His name is deeply ingrained in Tamil life, with many naming their children after him.
She highlighted the significance of Lord Murugan’s six abodes, particularly Thirupparankundram Hill near Madurai, where the first of these holy shrines is located. Revered by saints and poets like Nakkeerar, Arunagirinathar, Pamban Swamigal, and others, the shrine is an indelible part of Tamil spiritual heritage.
However, she raised concerns about the presence of a dargah on Thirupparankundram Hill, which has led to disputes from Islamic fundamentalist groups claiming ownership of the hill. Over the years, these groups have attempted to prevent the lighting of the traditional Karthigai Deepam on the hill, an issue now resolved by a Madras High Court order allowing the practice.
Recently, certain Islamic groups allegedly announced plans for rituals involving animal sacrifices on the hill, sparking fears of religious conflict. Though the police intervened to stop this, IUML MP Nawaz Kani reportedly visited the hill and consumed non-vegetarian food there, seen as a deliberate act to offend Murugan devotees and disrupt communal harmony.
Vanathi Srinivasan urged the Tamil Nadu government to take immediate action to halt such attempts to encroach on the sanctity of Thirupparankundram Hill, warning that failure to act could escalate tensions. She criticized the ruling DMK for its perceived leniency towards minority fundamentalist groups for vote-bank politics, calling for a stronger stance against divisive forces.
She further asserted that merely organizing cultural events like the “Muthamizh Murugan Conference” is not enough. The DMK government must actively protect Murugan’s first abode from encroachment and ensure communal harmony. Any further neglect of such issues, she warned, would provoke strong reactions from Murugan devotees.
