Similar to the Muslim encroachment of the Thiruparankundram temple hill, Christian elements have allegedly planted Church crosses at Yanai Malai (Elephant Hill) in Madurai, triggering another controversy, with Hindus raising objections and demanding action. The hill, which appears like an elephant in a sleeping posture, is primarily known for its ancient Jain sculptures, a Shaivite temple, and the Vaishnavite shrine of Narasingam Yoga Narasimha Perumal Temple.
As per reports, in addition to the cross installation, Christian groups have also organized prayers on Yanai Malai near Othakadai in Madurai. Photographs of the event were later shared on social media platforms, drawing criticism from several Hindu groups.
திருப்பரங்குன்றம் மலையை தொடர்ந்து யானைமலையையும் ஆக்கிரமிப்பு முயற்சி? சிலுவையுடன் படம் பதிவிட்டது குறித்து போலீசில் புகார் #மதுரை #ஹிந்து #ஒத்தக்கடை https://t.co/j2iPgUzYgM
— Dinamalar (@dinamalarweb) March 9, 2026
Yanai Malai is regarded as sacred by many Hindus in the surrounding villages, who worship the hill as a deity. The site is also historically significant as it contains Jain beds and comes under the control of the Archaeological Department. At Yanai Malai houses a temple with a gigantic monolithic stone murthi of Bhagwan Narasimhar Swami and his abode. Besides this, there are many temples around the area, and atop the hill there are Jain rock beds.
Following the incident, the BJP filed a complaint with the Othakadai police seeking legal action. Harihara Puthiran, State Secretary of the BJP’s Tamil Literature and Tamil Development Wing, stated in his complaint that some members of a Christian organisation had climbed the hill, placed a cross there, and conducted prayers. He alleged that the act amounted to an attempt to encroach upon a site revered by local Hindus and could potentially create religious tensions in the area, urging the police to take appropriate legal action against those responsible.
Hindu organisations also expressed concern over the development, stating that similar attempts had previously been made at Thirupparankundram hill. They warned that unauthorised church prayer gatherings at Yanai Malai could eventually lead to attempts to establish religious claims over the site and urged the police and the Archaeological Department to monitor the situation and prevent any encroachment.
Responding to the issue, Madurai Superintendent of Police Aravind said that although Yanai Malai is maintained by the Archaeological Department, it remains a public place, adding that the police were conducting an inquiry to ascertain whether cross worship had taken place at the site.
Planting Church crosses is described as a practice of some Christian groups in several parts of Tamil Nadu, mostly on hill terrains, as a first step towards encroachment before eventually claiming ownership, allegedly with the ruling DMK’s support on a quid pro quo basis for votes.
The controversy has also drawn parallels with the ongoing Thiruparankundram temple Karthigai Deepam issue, which began a decade ago and recently some Muslims attempted to bring animals atop the hill and referred to it as Sikhandar Hill. IUML MP Navas Kani and others even ate biryani on the sacred hill and claimed that it belonged to the Waqf Board. Hindu devotees staged strong protests and, with the support of the High Court, organised a Bhagwan Murugan conference in Madurai last June that reportedly saw over five lakh attendees.
Despite the TN High Court’s single and division benches confirming earlier orders, the DMK government did not permit devotees to light lamps atop the hill and continued filing appeals in various forums. On the March 4, the single judge issued a stern warning that charges could be framed against all contemners and temple trustees if they did not honour the court’s suggestion. To demonstrate respect for the court’s directions, the authorities were asked to allow five devotees suggested by the court, including the petitioner, to perform a symbolic pooja for 15 minutes at the ancient stone pillar, and the matter was posted to the 18th.
