VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan, in a statement on social media platform X, said the verdict violated constitutional principles. He warned that it could disturb Tamil Nadu’s long-standing tradition of religious harmony. The party highlighted the significance of the Karthigai Deepam festival near the Uchi Pillaiyar temple atop the hill.

Thirumavalavan alleged that the court accepted claims from certain “divisive elements” seeking permission to light a lamp on a pillar near the dargah. He noted that no historical or documentary evidence supported their request. He criticised the judgment for placing the burden of proof on the state instead of the petitioner.

The VCK founder cautioned against a growing trend of verdicts based on belief rather than evidence. He said such interpretations weaken secular values and constitutional guarantees. The party urged authorities to ensure that religious traditions and legal procedures are respected in harmony with secular principles.

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The Tamil Nadu government raised security concerns over lighting the Deepam at the hilltop stone pillar. Officials argued that the location near the dargah required strict control. They warned that unrestricted access could create safety challenges during the ritual.

The division bench allowed the Karthigai Deepam to be lit at the hilltop pillar. The court directed temple authorities to conduct the ritual. It also ordered safeguards, restricted public access, and protection of monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India.

The court disposed of all related petitions and appeals. It instructed the district administration to ensure public safety and maintain order. Authorities must coordinate security arrangements during the event. The ruling balances religious rights with law-and-order responsibilities.

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Bansuri Swaraj offered her prayers with deep reverence, joining others in celebrating the divine feminine energy that Navratri honors. Her presence at the temple highlighted the importance of cultural and religious traditions in public life.

Navratri, a festival dedicated to Goddess Durga’s nine forms, draws thousands to temples across India. Bansuri Swaraj’s visit to Jhandewalan Temple on the fifth day of Navratri was a gesture of faith and connection with the people.

The BJP MP emphasized the spiritual essence of the occasion and extended her wishes for peace and prosperity. Her participation in the Navratri rituals resonated with many devotees who gathered to celebrate the auspicious day.

The post Bansuri Swaraj Offers Navratri Prayers at Jhandewalan Temple appeared first on India Podcast.

Significance of Maa Skandamata
Maa Skandamata is depicted seated on a lion, holding lotus flowers, with her son Kartikeya on her lap. She is associated with the Vishuddha Chakra, symbolizing purity and wisdom. Devotees believe that worshipping her removes stress and negativity, while guiding them on a spiritual path.

Colour of the Day
Green is the color associated with Day 5, representing harmony, renewal, and growth. Devotees wear green clothing, and green items are often offered to the Goddess during puja.

Legend of Maa Skandamata
As per scriptures, the demon Tarkasur obtained a boon from Lord Brahma, thinking only the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati could defeat him. Confident that Shiva would never marry, he felt safe. However, Shiva and Parvati’s union brought forth Kartikeya, who eventually defeated Tarkasur. From then on, Parvati is worshipped as Skandamata, the divine mother of Skanda.

Puja and Rituals
Devotees begin with a holy bath and wear clean clothes. An idol or image of Maa Skandamata is placed, and a diya is lit. Offerings include garlands, five types of fruits, sweets, paan, supari, elaichi, and laung. Mantras from the Durga Saptashati are recited, followed by aarti and bhog. Devotees then break their fast. Couples desiring children often perform hawan and charity to young girls, seeking the Goddess’s blessings.

Day 5 of Navratri is a celebration of maternal love and strength, where devotees honor Maa Skandamata with devotion, green attire, and prayers for happiness, peace, and fulfillment.

The post Navratri 2025 Day 5: Maa Skandamata Puja, Story and Colour appeared first on India Podcast.

Brahmacharini, meaning devoted female student, is the second form of Navdurga, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. She is depicted wearing a white sari, holding a rosary and a water pot, symbolizing spiritual discipline, penance, and purity.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also extended wishes on X. Both prayed for faith, self-confidence, health, and happiness for all devotees observing the festival across the states.

The nine-day Shardiya Navratri began on September 22 and will continue until October 2. Each day honors a different form of Goddess Durga. Devotees observed special prayers, rituals, and fasts, with large crowds visiting temples across India from morning to seek blessings.

The post Navratri Day Two: PM Modi, CMs Offer Greetings appeared first on India Podcast.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also wished people on social media. She shared a new Puja song composed by her. Mahalaya begins Devi Paksha, a 10-day celebration leading up to Durga Puja. The festival celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over demon king Mahishasura.

In West Bengal, people traditionally listen to ‘Mahishasura Mardini’, a pre-dawn broadcast of hymns invoking the Goddess. Tarpan rituals are performed at rivers to honour ancestors. Preparations for Durga Puja begin in earnest after Mahalaya. Sculptors paint the eyes of Devi Durga in a ritual known as ‘Chokhhu Daan’, marking the festival countdown.

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