Tamil Nadu: Hindu Munnani To Organise Murugan Devotees’ Meet In Madurai On 22 June, 5 Lakh People Expected To Attend

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) affliated Hindu Munnani is set to organise a large-scale Murugan Devotees’ Conference in Madurai on 22 June.

The event, named 'Muruga Bakthargalin Aanmeega Maanadu' in Tamil is expected to be attended by over five lakh people. As per a report by Organiser, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been invited as a special guest. Among the activities planned are a mass recitation of the Skanda Shashti Kavacham, and an audio-visual presentation about the 108 servitors of Lord Murugan.

The announcement of the event immediately drew criticism from certain political quarters. According to a report by City Air news, CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam alleged that the gathering is a 'political meeting disguised as a religious one' and accused the BJP and affiliated organisations of using Hindu symbols to further electoral objectives in Tamil Nadu.

Hindu Munnani president Kadeswara Subramaniam denied the charge, calling the event a spiritual and cultural assertion. He reiterated that the gathering is aimed at preserving Hindu values and ensuring unity among Murugan devotees.

Court Battle

The group has filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking permission to construct miniature replicas of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan (Aaru Padai Veedu) at the event site. They have also sought clearance to use sound systems for spiritual activities from 10 to 22 June.

Hindu Munnani state secretary S. Muthukumar stated in the petition that the replicas will help devotees, especially those unable to visit the original temples, to symbolically undertake the pilgrimage.

The conference assumes significance as it comes a few months after the Munnani led protests against demands by certain Muslim groups to allow animal sacrifice on the Thiruparankundram hill, one of the six abodes, located closed to Madurai.

Also Read: Surprised By DMK’s Murugan Conference? Don't Be — It’s Just A Tactical Engagement With Hinduism