Madurai, Tamil Nadu: In a significant judicial order impacting religious practices on the historic Thiruparankundram Hills, the Madras High Court has reaffirmed that only the traditional Santhanakoodu (sandalwood) Urus festival is permitted on the sacred site, while all forms of animal sacrifice and related non-vegetarian practices are strictly prohibited.
The ruling, delivered on January 2, 2026, follows years of litigation over competing religious traditions at one of South India’s most venerable hills.
High Court’s Directions of Thiruparankundram Hills Dispute
Presiding over the matter, Justice S. Srimathy of the Madras High Court directed that:
- Only the Urus festival (sandalwood festival) shall be allowed on the Thiruparankundram Hills, specifically at the Hazrat Sulthan Sikkanthar Bhadhusha Dargha atop the hill.
- Participation in the festival shall be capped at 50 persons, aiming to balance religious expression with public order concerns.
- The dargah administration is barred from engaging in animal sacrifice (locally referred to as Kandhoori), carrying animal meat, cooking or serving non-vegetarian food, and any related rituals. These prohibitions extend from the foot of the hill to its summit.
- Local authorities, including police and administrative officials, are ordered to enforce compliance with these directives to prevent any potential law-and-order issues.
This direction stems from a writ petition filed by local resident M. Manickamoorthy, who contended that the Dargah authorities were planning to conduct an animal sacrifice festival despite previous court rulings to the contrary.
Legal and Historical Background of the Thiruparankundram Hills Dispute
Thiruparankundram Hills in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, has existed for centuries as a sacred site shared by multiple religious communities.
It houses:
- Ancient Hindu temples, most notably those linked to the Arupadaiveedu (Six Abodes) of Lord Murugan, date back over a millennium.
- Jain relics and inscriptions, reflecting the region’s long interreligious history.
- The Thiruparankundram Dargah, a 13th-century Sufi shrine commemorating Saint Sikandar Badusha, popular among Muslims and respected by many local Hindu devotees.
Tensions arose in recent years when dargah authorities circulated pamphlets announcing the Kandhoori festival—a religious event which included plans for goat and chicken sacrifice and communal meals.
This triggered objections from Hindu groups and others, who claimed that such practices were alien to the historical traditions of the hill and risked disrupting communal harmony.
Previous Judicial Proceedings and Split Ruling in Thiruparankundram Hills Dispute
In June 2025, a Division Bench of the Madras High Court delivered a split verdict on whether animal sacrifice constituted a protected religious practice under the Constitution. One judge upheld it under Article 25 (freedom of religion), while the other stressed the need for documented proof of historic continuity.
Due to the disagreement, the matter was referred to a third judge, resulting in a clear directive that animal sacrifice is prohibited and that parties could approach civil courts to assert custom if they wished.
Separately, the Court has recognized the unique protected monument status of the Hill under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, requiring careful regulation of religious activities.
Cultural and Religious Sensitivities
The judicial order seeks to strike a delicate balance between religious freedom and public order. While the right to freely practice religion is protected under the Constitution, courts may impose reasonable restrictions when practices threaten communal harmony or contravene legal norms.
In this instance, the Court’s emphasis on restricting the festival, limiting attendance, and banning animal sacrifice reflects its concern with maintaining peace and respecting the hill’s shared religious heritage.
Government and Public Response
Tamil Nadu government officials confirmed that no permissions would be issued for any animal sacrifice events this year—similar to the policy upheld in previous years—and reaffirmed that only the Santhanakoodu Urus festival is sanctioned at the Dargah.
Local Hindu and Muslim communities have reacted with mixed sentiments, with some praising the court for preserving peace, while others argue that religious customs should be respected if historically practiced.
