In a significant development related to the Thirupparankundram hill lamp lighting, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Jan 06, 2026, Tuesday, issued an order permitting the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon-the stone pillar traditionally used for lighting the ceremonial lamp. The bench comprising Justice G. Jayachandran and Justice K.K. Ramakrishnan upheld the earlier order of Justice G.R. Swaminathan, who is also the Director of the Subramaniya Swamy Temple management at Thirupparankundram. After examining the case in detail, the judges observed that lighting the deepam was not politically necessary.
During the hearing, the temple authorities informed the court that the Karthigai Deepam had been lit for more than 100 years, in accordance with long-standing customs and the Agama Sastra practices of Saivites. However, the court noted that the temple administration failed to produce documentary evidence to establish the continuous practice conclusively. The court further clarified that the lighting of the lamp does not take place at the peak of the hill, nor does it fall under the Devasthanam or Tamil Nadu government's regular customs. The government has permitted the temple management to light the lamp on Karthigai Deepam day, but public access to the hilltop has not been allowed.
This order clarifies the long-standing dispute while maintaining law and order during the religious observance.