Piyush Goyal Praises Court Ruling on Tirupparankundram Temple Lighting
Union Minister Piyush Goyal has expressed his satisfaction with the Madras High Court's decision to uphold the tradition of lamp lighting at the Tirupparankundram temple. He criticized the Tamil Nadu government for its stance against Sanatan Dharma, linking recent events to a broader pattern of disrespect towards the faith. Goyal highlighted the significance of this ruling for devotees and emphasized the historical importance of the lamp-lighting tradition. The court's decision allows the continuation of this practice, which has been a part of Hindu worship for centuries. This article delves into Goyal's statements and the implications of the court's ruling.
| Jan 6, 2026, 16:25 IST
Minister Goyal's Reaction to Court Decision
On Tuesday, Union Minister Piyush Goyal expressed his approval of the Madras High Court's ruling, which upheld Justice G.R. Swaminathan's order regarding the lighting of lamps at the Tirupparankundram temple. He accused the Tamil Nadu government of disrespecting, mocking, and attacking Sanatan Dharma. Speaking at a press conference in the national capital, Goyal highlighted that Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin made a bold and condemnable call to eradicate Sanatan Dharma in September 2023. He further noted that shortly after, a ban was imposed on the lighting of lamps at the Tirupparankundram hills, associated with Lord Kartikeya and Lord Murugan.
Read More: India-EU Trade Agreement: Piyush Goyal to Visit Brussels This Week
Goyal remarked that it is not merely coincidental that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, his son Udhayanidhi Stalin, and other senior leaders of the DMK have consistently criticized, mocked, and attacked Sanatan Dharma. On September 2, 2023, Udhayanidhi Stalin made a bold demand for the eradication of Sanatan Dharma, and just months later, the lighting of lamps at the Tirupparankundram hills was prohibited for the first time.
He expressed great satisfaction that the Tamil Nadu High Court has delivered justice to the devotees of this ancient temple located in the Tirupparankundram hills, where Lord Murugan resides. Goyal emphasized that it is indeed gratifying that the High Court's recent ruling has upheld the rights of the temple's devotees, who have been lighting lamps in honor of Lord Kartikeya for centuries, a tradition deeply rooted in Hindu worship. This year, the lighting of lamps is anticipated to take place on December 4, 2025.
Goyal insisted that this coincidence should not be overlooked, as the state government had also denied permission to continue these traditions in 2024. He added that devotees approached the court against the Tamil Nadu government's decision, and on December 1, 2025, Justice Swaminathan ruled in favor of continuing the lamp-lighting tradition.