After 20-day ban, devotees allowed to visit the thiruparankundram mountain with Aadhaar details

After nearly 20 days of restriction, police have granted conditional permission for devotees to climb the Thirupparankundram hill in Madurai.

The restriction was imposed following tensions over the issue of lighting the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepam Pillar atop the hill, despite two earlier directions from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. Authorities had cited potential law and order issues due to the proximity of the Sikandar Dargah to the Deepam Pillar.

Subsequently, heavy police deployment was made in the area, and the main access routes, including the Palaniyandavar Temple Street entrance and the hill steps, were barricaded, preventing devotees from accessing the hill. Local residents later raised concerns about movement restrictions affecting daily life, leading to protests.

Further tensions arose after four individuals were allowed to access the Sikandar Dargah for cleaning work ahead of the Sandalwood Festival scheduled on January 6, prompting fresh protests by local women and residents.

Following a site inspection by Assistant Commissioner of Police Sasipriya and Inspector Madurai Veeran, police announced that devotees would be permitted to climb the hill daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM starting today (Monday).

Devotees are required to register their name, Aadhaar details, mobile number, and address before proceeding. Barricades at key entry points have since been removed.

The decision marks a significant step toward restoring normal access to the Thirupparankundram hill after weeks of restrictions.