Understanding the Murugan Hill Dispute: A Growing Tension in Tamil Nadu
Overview of the Murugan Hill Dispute
On June 22, Madurai experienced a significant demonstration, marking the peak of extensive protests led by the Hindu Munnani and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This rally aimed to assert complete authority over Thirupparankundram hill, which participants likened to the 'Ayodhya struggle of the South.' Notable figures such as Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai were present at the event. Here’s a closer look at the ongoing conflict surrounding Murugan Hill.
Significance of Murugan Hill
Thiruparankundram hill, situated in the southwestern part of Madurai district in Tamil Nadu, is home to several important religious sites, including the Sikkander Badusha dargah, the Subramaniya Swamy temple—one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan—and the Kasi Viswanathan temple. The Subramaniya Swamy Temple, established in the 8th century by the Pandya dynasty, is located at the base of this monolithic hill. In the 17th century, the Sultan Sikkandar Avulia Dargah was erected at the summit in honor of Sikkander Shah, the last Sultan of Madurai. Historically, both Hindu and Muslim communities have worshipped at these sites in a spirit of coexistence, but recent events have turned this hill into a source of communal tension.
Historical Context of the Dispute
The conflict dates back approximately 110 years, when disagreements arose between the Madura Meenakshi Devasthanam (the temple authority) and the Sultan Sikkandar Avulia Dargah. As tensions escalated, government intervention became necessary. The core of the dispute revolved around the Thiruparankundram Subramanya Swamy Temple, which is highly revered. Ultimately, discussions between the leaders of both religious sites led to a resolution.
In 1915, the Dargah's Hukdars sought to build a mantapam for pilgrims at Nellitope, which involved transporting stones from the hill. This initiative faced strong opposition from the Devasthanam, which formally protested the construction, asserting that the entire hill was temple property and that the proposed site was intended for Hindu pilgrims. Unable to reach a consensus, the matter was escalated to the Madurai subordinate court.
Court Rulings on the Dispute
The Madurai subordinate court ruled that the hill, with the exception of the dargah and its access steps, belonged to the temple. However, a different verdict was issued by the Madras High Court in 1923. This ruling was later overturned by the Privy Council, which upheld the subordinate court's decision, confirming that the dargah, its flagstaff, and the steps were under Muslim ownership, while the remainder of the hill was designated for the temple. This legal framework has remained unchanged since then.
Recent Developments
On December 25, 2024, tensions flared when police intervened to stop a group of Muslim men from carrying animals for sacrifice to the dargah. This incident sparked protests and unrest between the two communities, with some alleging that the mosque administration was attempting to rename the hill as 'Sikandar Hill.'
In response, residents of Thiruparankundram, along with representatives from various political parties, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), and Congress, submitted a petition to the district collector on January 27.