TIRUCHY: Framed as a spiritual gathering, the Muruga Bakthargal Maanadu scheduled in Madurai on June 22 is positioned by right-wing groups including the RSS, Hindu Munnani, VHP, and BJP as one of the largest religious mobilisation in Tamil Nadu in recent times.
The event, which centres on collective chanting of Kanda Sashti Kavasam, is also seen by saffron groups as an exercise to invoke Hindu identity and reinforce cultural consolidation. Unlike the earlier Vel Yatra, this time, the mobilisation is done by approaching devotional gatherings in temples, meeting pilgrimage groups and inviting seers of mutts, Hindu sects, dominant OBC-caste groups.
Organisers have roped in not just Murugan devotees but also followers of Sai Baba, Aadhiparasakthi, Mariamman, and over a dozen caste-based outfits. "This is like going on an Ayyappa pilgrimage," said VHP state general secretary Bala Manimaran.
In districts like Tiruchy, BJP units are overseeing transport logistics. Across 19 mandals, the party has deployed two vans per ward and one per panchayat to mobilise and transport people to Madurai. Daily updates are sent through WhatsApp groups operated by local cadres.
According to Hindu Munnani general Secretary M. Muruganandham, over 50 lakh invitation pamphlets, featuring image of Lord Muruga, have been printed and they are being distributed across the state. In the Kongu belt, the campaign includes Valli Kummi performances to connect with local communities.
Thiruparankundram one of Murugan's six sacred abodes has become a flashpoint in the lead-up to the event. Several Sangh-affiliated leaders say attempts are made to rename the hill as "Sikandar Hill" and accuse the DMK government of allowing "Islamisation" of the site. This narrative has also been woven into the mobilisation drive. B Prakash, zonal secretary (public outreach) for RSS (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry), said the aim of the conference is spiritual awakening, not political gain. "This is for Hindus' spritual unity to safeguard their rights. Many temple committee members, regardless of political affiliation, are supporting this. We are not asking for votes."
Actor Rajinikanth and television stars have been approached, and invitations extended to AIADMK leaders including Edappadi K Palaniswami. Organisers said they are also planning to invite Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and all others who are ideologically opposed to this conference.
Interestingly, not all traditional pilgrimage groups have confirmed participation. In Edappadi, where over 60,000 devotees make an annual journey to Palani temple, organisers told TNIE they are undecided on whether to align with the event.