Madurai, Tamil Nadu, June 23, 2025 – In a historic display of devotion, over 5 lakh people gathered in Madurai for the Murugan Bhaktargal Maanadu to chant the sacred Kandha Sashti Kavasam, a revered hymn dedicated to Lord Murugan. The event, held on June 22, 2025, at Amma Thidal near Vandiyur Toll Gate, resonated across Tamil Nadu, with over 1 crore hearts joining the recitation in unison, many participating virtually through screens. This wasn’t just a gathering—it was a revolution of faith, uniting devotees in a powerful spiritual movement.

A Grand Spiritual Spectacle in Madurai

Organized by Hindu Munnani, in collaboration with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Murugan Manadu drew lakhs of devotees from across Tamil Nadu. The event featured cultural performances, devotional programs, and a massive recitation of the Kandha Sashti Kavasam at 6 PM, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere. Six replica shrines representing the Aarupadai Veedu (six abodes of Lord Murugan) were set up, where devotees performed deepa arathi, further amplifying the divine ambiance.

Hindu Munnani claimed the event set a record, with over 1 lakh people singing the Kandha Sashti Kavasam together at the venue, marking a significant moment in Tamil Nadu’s spiritual history. The conference adopted six key resolutions, including monthly community recitations of the hymn, protection of Murugan-associated hills, and forming a Hindu vote bank to assert cultural unity.

Voices of Unity and Devotion

Prominent leaders, including Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran, addressed the gathering, emphasizing Hindu unity and the protection of cultural traditions. Pawan Kalyan, dressed in a green veshti, condemned those mocking devotional hymns, calling Lord Murugan a pan-Indian deity. “If a sadhu gets angry, even a forest cannot stand,” he warned, urging devotees to take pride in their faith.

Nainar Nagendran hailed the event’s success despite hurdles, crediting the judiciary for upholding the right to hold the conference. He enthused the crowd by singing verses from “Marudhamalai Maamaniye”, a popular Murugan devotional song. The event also saw participation from senior BJP leader H. Raja and Union Minister of State L. Murugan, reinforcing its cultural and political significance.

A Movement Beyond Madurai

The Murugan Manadu wasn’t confined to Madurai. Across Tamil Nadu, devotees recited the Kandha Sashti Kavasam in homes, temples, and community centers, with over 1 crore people participating statewide. Social media buzzed with the hashtag #MuruganManadu, as posts on X captured the fervor, describing it as a “revolution of faith” with “eyes on screens, devotion in every beat.” Over 50 lakh invitation pamphlets were distributed, and 12,400 vehicles ferried devotees to the event, reflecting its massive scale.

The conference faced challenges, with the Tamil Nadu police initially restricting the planned 11-day event to three days. However, the Madras High Court intervened on June 13, granting permission while ensuring safety compliance, a move hailed as a victory for religious freedom.

Why Murugan Manadu Matters

The Murugan Bhaktargal Maanadu underscored the deep-rooted devotion to Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu, while also addressing contemporary challenges. Hindu Munnani’s Bhaktavachalam highlighted the need for collective strength, stating, “Tamil Nadu has bhakti, but no shakti,” and urged monthly recitations to foster spiritual cohesion. The event also responded to controversies, such as protests against renaming Thiruparankundram hill, reinforcing the resolve to protect sacred sites.

For the global Tamil diaspora, the Murugan Manadu was a powerful reminder of cultural identity. As devotees worldwide joined the recitation virtually, the event bridged geographical boundaries, uniting Tamil Hindus in a shared expression of faith.

Join the Spiritual Movement

The Murugan Manadu has sparked a call for monthly Kandha Sashti Kavasam recitations on Shasthi Theethi across Tamil Nadu. Devotees are encouraged to participate in local temples or virtually to keep the momentum alive. Stay updated with NRI Globe for more news on Tamil Nadu’s cultural and spiritual events, and share your thoughts on this historic gathering using #MuruganManadu.