Cross near 400-year-old Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu sparks row; Questions raised over Vijay government’s response

A controversy has erupted at Lingamalai in Pudukkottai district over a cross installed on a hill associated with a centuries-old Shiva temple and a proposed Christian prayer gathering on November 24, coinciding with Maha Karthigai. Hindu devotees have alleged that attempts are being made to alter the religious identity of the site, while a devotee, Marimuthu, was assaulted after questioning activities on the hill.

 

 

Does a 400-year-old Shiva temple not come under the protection of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991?

 

If the religious character of a place of worship is protected by law, why are attempts being made to establish another religious identity on the hill by installing a cross?

 

These questions have become central to the controversy surrounding Lingamalai, located near Malampatti village in

Tamil Nadu's Pudukkottai district.

 

 

 

The Places of Worship Act, 1991, prohibits the conversion of a place of worship from one religious denomination to another and provides for the preservation of its religious character as it existed on August 15, 1947. The law defines a place of worship to include temples, churches, mosques and other public religious places.

 

Local Hindu residents maintain that Lingamalai has a longstanding association with Shaivite worship. The hill is also reported to contain old inscriptions, sculptures, a Nandi statue and the remains of a mandapam.

 

 

According to complaints raised by Hindu Munnani and local residents, a cross was installed on the hill around two decades ago. They allege that sections of the Christian community have also referred to Lingamalai as 'Kalvari Malai' or 'Saveriyar Malai', raising concerns about an attempt to change the historical and religious identity of the site.

 

The controversy has intensified following reports of a proposed Christian prayer gathering on November 24, coinciding with the Hindu festival of Maha Karthigai.

 

 

 

Hindu residents have questioned why such a gathering is being planned near the ancient Shiva temple, particularly when the dispute over the cross and the use of the hill remains unresolved.

 

They have also alleged that Christian groups recently undertook maintenance work around the cross and cleared the approach pathway despite earlier administrative restrictions.

 

Hindu Munnani representative Sivadasan has stated that the Kulathur Tahsildar had convened a peace committee meeting following objections to the cross.

 

According to the organisation, the meeting decided that no maintenance work should be carried out on the cross and that it should be removed. Both sides were also reportedly restricted from visiting the disputed location without police permission.

 

However, Hindu Munnani alleged that a group undertook renovation and cleaning work around the cross on October 22. On November 2, further activity, including the installation of solar-powered lighting and CCTV cameras, was reportedly noticed.

 

The organisation has accused the authorities of failing to ensure compliance with the earlier decisions and has sought intervention from the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police.

 

 

 

The dispute took a serious turn on November 2 when Hindu devotees confronted a group over the activities on the hill. According to Hindu Munnani, the confrontation resulted in an assault, leaving a devotee identified as Marimuthu seriously injured and hospitalised.

 

The incident triggered protests at Lingamalai and the Perambur Four-Road Junction. Hindu activists and devotees demanded action against those allegedly involved in the assault and protection of the temple site.

 

 

The controversy has put the C. Joseph Vijay-led Tamil Nadu government under scrutiny. BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagenthran has criticised the administration over the proposed prayer meeting, alleging that it has failed to protect Hindu religious rights.

 

The issue is not about denying anyone the right to practise their faith. It is about ensuring that religious freedom is not used to justify unauthorised structures, disregard for administrative orders or interference with another community's place of worship.

 

The Tamil Nadu government must provide clear answers. The protection of religious sites, historical heritage and the right to worship cannot be selective. If the allegations are substantiated, those responsible must face action under the law, regardless of their religious affiliation.