Amid tensions, devotees allowed entry into Thiruparankundram hill temple

MADURAI: The district administration allowed the Kasi Viswanathar Temple on Thiruparankundram hill to be opened for devotees with strict restrictions. The permission is a first after tensions prevailed in the area, after devotees tried to light lamps on the top of the Thiruparankundram temple, following a favourable verdict from the court.

As the case related to the lamp issue is pending in court, devotees were barred from going to the top of the Thiruparamkundram hill for more than two weeks as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, on the occasion of the Santhanakoodu festival of the Sikandar Badusha Dargah on the Thiruparankundram hill, Muslim devotees performed a flag hoisting ceremony under police protection. Following this, members of the Hindu community protested, demanding that they be allowed to light lamps. They were arrested and removed.

Permission is only granted from 6 am to 6 pm to visit the temple. Information, including mobile phone number and Aadhaar number, of those climbing the hill must be provided. Taking videos and photos is prohibited.