Tensions Rise in Thiruparankundram
Recent controversies over the ownership and religious practices on the hill have led to growing friction between communities.
The historically peaceful town of Thiruparankundram, located in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai district, is now at the centre of rising communal tensions. For over two centuries, Hindus, Muslims, and Jains have coexisted in this sacred space. However, recent controversies over the ownership and religious practices on the hill have led to growing friction between communities.
Dispute Over Religious Claims
The conflict stems from claims made by right-wing Hindu groups that the entire Thiruparankundram hill which is home to both a Murugan temple and a mosque, belongs solely to Lord Murugan and is part of the Shaivite sect of Hinduism. These groups have also expressed opposition to the animal sacrifices performed near the mosque by the Muslim community. They allege a deliberate attempt to rename the hill as ‘Sikkandar Hill’ in government records, which they see as an effort to alter its religious identity. The foothills of Thiruparankundram feature an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, while the upper sections of the hill house a Sufi shrine with the grave of Sufi saint Sultan Sikandar Badushah Shaheed, along with a mosque and some ancient Jain caves. As certain Muslim groups have launched counter-campaigns, the issue has escalated into a full-fledged controversy, with tensions mounting between temple and dargah supporters.
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State and National Leaders
BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan has vowed to advocate for Hindu interests in the area, arguing that past court orders establish Lord Murugan’s ownership of the hill.
“Some unfortunate incidents have occurred in the area, and the state government must take serious action against the perpetrators. A court order in 1933 clearly states that the entire hill, except for 33 cents of land, belongs to Lord Murugan. However, the revenue records in 1983 incorrectly refer to it as Sikkandar Hill.”
Human rights activist Henri Tiphagne argues that the conflict is being artificially created by Hindutva forces attempting to disrupt communal harmony.
“Southern Tamil Nadu has a long history of harmony, and attempts to divide people along communal and caste lines may be futile here. Hindutva forces are trying to establish a foothold by attempting to create divisions in the name of religion, caste, and language.”
As the situation remains tense, authorities continue to monitor the town closely to prevent further escalation.