On February 4, the Mandir town of Madurai in Tamil Nadu witnessed an unprecedented protest as thousands of people carrying saffron flags gathered in a massive demonstration. The rally, organised by more than 50 Hindu organisations, including the Hindu Munnani, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saw slogans such as “Vetri Vel, Veera Vel, Kappom Kappom Skanda Malayai Kappom,” which translates to “Victorious spear, courageous spear, we will save Skanda’s mountain.”
The protest centered around allegations that certain Islamist groups were attempting to take control of the historic Thiruparankundram hill, home to the revered Thiruparankundram Mandir dedicated to Subramanya Swami, known as Murugan in Tamil Nadu. This sacred site is considered the first among the six abodes of Sri Muruga, a deity worshipped widely across the state.
The presence of a dargah (Sikandar Dargah) on the hill has long been a matter of contention. The issue dates back to 1923, when the ownership of the hill became a subject of legal proceedings. The dispute lasted over eight years, eventually leading to a ruling by the British Privy Council in 1931, which granted ownership of the hill to the Mandir. However, an exception was made for a portion of the hill called “Nellitope” and the mosque’s immediate premises.
For several decades, this legal resolution seemed to have settled the matter. However, recent years have seen renewed allegations from the Hindu community, claiming that Islamist groups are trying to rename the hill as “Sikandar Malai” (Sikandar Hill) and encroach on the Mandir land.
What Sparked the Protests?
The immediate trigger for the February 4 protests was an incident in late December 2024, when a man named Syed Abu Dahir and his family attempted to bring goats and roosters to the hilltop dargah for sacrifice rituals. Authorities and police intervened, citing regulations that prohibit the transportation of live animals up the hill. This led to a confrontation, with over 20 men from the same community gathering at the hill’s steps to support the family.
While the police clarified that cooked meat could be carried and consumed at the site, the transportation of live animals was not permitted. Despite the authorities’ stance, tensions escalated, and around ten individuals were arrested for attempting to violate the prohibition. Following this, photos emerged on social media allegedly showing individuals consuming meat at the sacred hill, further inflaming Hindu sentiments.
The Hindu Munnani and other organisations accused Islamist groups of intentionally provoking communal tensions by consuming meat at one of the holiest sites for Murugan devotees. Furthermore, they alleged that fundamentalist elements were trying to rename the hill and had been illegally burying bodies on the dargah premises. They also criticised the local administration, arguing that while Hindus were prevented from lighting lamps on the hill due to supposed legal restrictions, members of the other community were given leeway to carry out their rituals without interference.
Police Response and Legal Actions
As the situation worsened, authorities imposed Section 144 prohibitory orders to prevent further escalation. However, Hindu organisations challenged these restrictions in court and were granted permission to conduct a peaceful demonstration. The February 4 protest was a direct outcome of this legal approval.
Religious and Archaeological Significance of the Mandir
The Thiruparankundram Mandir is a site of immense religious significance. Built in the 8th century during the reign of the Pandya dynasty, the Mandir is a marvel of rock-cut architecture. Unique features include the presence of both Shiva and Vishnu facing each other, an uncommon representation in Hindu Mandirs. The Mandir is also known for its association with the celestial wedding of Subramanya Swami and Devasena, the daughter of Indra, making it a highly sought-after site for Hindu marriages.
Apart from its religious importance, the site holds great archaeological value. The hill contains evidence of early Jain settlements, with inscriptions dating back over 2,300 years. The Umai Andar Cave, situated on the southern face of the rock, contains rock carvings linked to both Hinduism and Jainism.
Vandalism of Jain Caves
Amid the ongoing protest, reports surfaced that some unidentified individuals had vandalised the ancient Jain carvings by painting them green. This act of defacement has raised serious concerns about the protection of archaeological heritage, leading to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) taking up the matter. Many within the Hindu community suspect deliberate intent behind the vandalism and question how the miscreants gained easy access to a site of such historical and religious importance.
Sikandar Dargah and the historical context
Historically, the region of Thiruparankundram was under the rule of the Pandya dynasty until it was invaded by the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century. The Sultanate ruled the region for nearly 50 years before being overthrown by the Vijayanagara Empire, which restored Hindu governance. One of the last rulers of the Sultanate was Sikandar Shah, whose connection to the dargah is a matter of debate.
A popular narrative claims that Sikandar Shah was “martyred” in 1377 and that his tomb exists on the hill. However, Hindu organisations strongly declined this claim, viewing it as an attempt to rewrite history and appropriate a sacred Hindu site.
The presence of a mosque near a major Hindu Mandir is not unique to Thiruparankundram. Across Bharat, numerous such cases exist, with narratives often emerging that attempt to link Islamic figures with Hindu deities. For example, in Kerala’s Sabarimala, a mosque dedicated to ‘Vavar’ exists near the Mandir. A widely promoted story claims that Vavar was a friend of Swami Ayyappan, leading to a practice where Ayyappa devotees visit the mosque before proceeding to the Mandir. Many Hindus see this as a forced narrative aimed at distorting historical truths.
During the protest, BJP leader H. Raja invoked Dr B R Ambedkar’s warning that merely creating a separate country for Muslims would not eliminate the risk of civil conflict. He criticised the ruling DMK government for allegedly appeasing Islamist groups at the expense of Hindu interests.
Hindus have traditionally been the torchbearers of religious harmony, adhering to the principles of ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) and ‘Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu’ (May everyone in the world be happy). However, many believe that this inclusivity must not come at the cost of their religious and cultural rights.
