What Is Murugan Pakthar Manadu? Tamil God Event At Centre Of DMK-BJP Clash, Likely To Be Attended By UP CM
'Muruga Bakthargalin Aanmeega Maanadu' (Spiritual Conference of Murugan Devotees), a 10-day spiritual gathering organised by Hindu Munnani, scheduled to begin in Madurai on June 22.
A 10-day spiritual gathering titled 'Muruga Bakthargalin Aanmeega Maanadu' (Spiritual Conference of Devotees of Murugan), scheduled to begin in Madurai on June 22, has ignited a political firestorm in Tamil Nadu. The event, organised by Hindu Munnani, is drawing national attention not only for its religious significance but also for its charged political undertones.
The conference aims to invoke Lord Murugan, the popular Tamil deity believed to have lived at six sacred abodes (Aaru Padai Veedu) across the state. Reports also suggested that prominent political figures, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and newly appointed Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, may attend the gathering as special guests, reported Deccan Herald.
Muruga Bakthargalin Maanadu: State Restrictions, Court Intervention
The Tamil Nadu government, led by the DMK, came under fire from Hindu groups and the BJP, who alleged that authorities were attempting to suppress the event. Tamil Nadu Police initially limited the event to three days, citing security and crowd management concerns.
In response, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on June 13 granted permission for the event, directing organisers to adhere to safety regulations. The police defended the restrictions in court by referring to the recent stampede-like incident during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory parade, saying they wanted to avoid any untoward events given the scale of the Murugan event.
Political Undercurrents: DMK’s Own Muthamizh Murugan Int'l Conference
This episode follows the DMK’s own efforts to engage with Murugan devotees. In August 2024, the party organised the 'Muthamizh Murugan International Conference' in Palani—seen by many as an image correction exercise following Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s controversial remarks on Sanatana Dharma.
While the DMK remains rooted in Periyar’s rationalist ideology, the outreach was widely interpreted as an attempt to soften its perceived stance on religion in a state where temple culture is deeply ingrained, reported The Print.
BJP’s Strategic Murugan Push
The BJP, meanwhile, is leveraging Lord Murugan as a cultural and electoral symbol in Tamil Nadu. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has taken an active role in promoting the Madurai conference. In a recent speech, Shah invoked Lord Murugan in the context of the Thiruparankundram shrine, signalling a clear cultural pitch.
Even though, the event is organised by Hindu Munnani, BJP leaders are personally inviting leaders from BJP-ruled states to participate.
As a result, this marks as the party’s second major Murugan-centric campaign, following a similar attempt before the 2021 Assembly polls. The daily chanting of 'Kandha Shashti Kavasam', a devotional hymn to Lord Murugan, will be a highlight of the programme.
Top Headlines
