Muruga Bhaktargal Conference’-2025

‘Muruga Bhaktargal Conference’-2025

Why in News ? The ‘Muruga Bhaktargal Conference’ held in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, organized by Hindu Munnani and attended by BJP leaders, has sparked controversy. The issue arose due to an audiovisual presentation at the event that depicted Dravidian stalwarts such as Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, C.N. Annadurai, and M. Karunanidhi negatively, labeling them as symbols of “adharma” and referring to them as “atheist foxes.” The event is seen as part of the ongoing cultural and political debates in Tamil Nadu.

About Muruga Bhaktargal:

The Muruga Bhaktargal are devotees of Lord Muruga, a revered deity in Tamil Hindu traditions.

Significance of Lord Muruga:

• Known as the God of War and Victory, Lord Muruga is deeply associated with Tamil culture and spirituality.
• He is also referred to as Kartikeya, Subramanya, or Skanda in other Indian traditions.
• His worship is central to the Tamil Shaivite tradition and often celebrated through festivals like Thaipusam and Panguni Uthiram.

Purpose of the Conference:

• To mobilize devotees of Lord Muruga and highlight Hindu cultural and religious values.
• To assert the role of Hindu Munnani in “protecting dharma” and counter narratives perceived as anti-Hindu or atheistic.

Controversy:

The conference presentation:

Glorified Hindu Munnani as protectors of dharma.

Criticized Dravidian Leaders: Dravidian icons were portrayed negatively, reflecting the ongoing ideological clashes between Dravidian rationalist movements and Hindutva ideologies.

Background of Hindu Munnani:

• Hindu Munnani is a Tamil Nadu-based Hindu nationalist organization established in 1980.
• Its stated aim is to protect Hindu values and counter activities perceived as threats to the religion and culture.
• The group has often been involved in cultural and political confrontations, especially against Dravidian parties advocating rationalism and atheism.