India, Nov. 13 -- The Tamil Nadu Government has strongly opposed in the Supreme Court a petition seeking Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) control over the Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy temple and Thirupparankundram hill and also changes in the traditional Karthigai Deepam celebrations.

The Karthigai Deepam controversy at the Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy temple at Madurai, centers on a dispute over where and by whom the sacred lamp (deepam) should be lit on the Thirupparankundram hill.

For decades, the traditional deepam was lit at the Deepa Mandapam near the Uchipillaiyar temple on the lower slopes. Hindu groups had sought permission to light the lamp at the Deepathoon, an ancient stone lamp pillar located higher up the hill, approximately...