Karthigai Deepam lights atop Thiruparankundram temple

Madurai, Dec 3 (UNI) Thoursands of devotees with religious fervour witnessed the auspicious lighting up of the 'Thirukarthigai Deepam' atop the famed ancient cave temple of Lord Murugan at suburban Thiruparankundam here this evening.

Deepam was lit at 'Moksha Deepam', the usual place. Devotees in large numbers thronged the temple, one of the six legendary abodes of the Lord, in view of the deepam festival.

Lighting of deepam was held at nearby Pazhamudir Solai, Palani in Dindigul district and coastal Tiruchendur in Thoothukudi district, all four among the Lord's legendary abodes.

Similar events were held in many saivite temples in the region.

At Thiruparankundram, police arrested 90 activists of Hindu Munnani, a fundamentalist outfit, when they proceeded to the temple demanding lighting up of the deepam near a dargha atop the hillock.

Heavy police security was in place for the peaceful conduct of the festival following the fringe outfit declaring to light the deepam separately.

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