A viral video on social media has claimed that a Hindu temple on Thiruparankundram Hill was converted into a Dargah due to the similarity of its pillars to those of a temple. However, this assertion has been debunked by the Tamil Nadu government’s Fact Checker, which described it as a “hate-filled rumor.”
The Tamil Nadu Fact Check unit stated, “This is a false claim.” Their investigation revealed that the structure depicted in the video is the Sikandhar Dargah, an original Islamic shrine designed in the Dravidian architectural style, rather than a converted temple.
According to the book “Islamic Architecture in Tamil Nadu,” published by the Tamil Nadu government’s Director of Museum, Islamic buildings in the region were historically constructed with local Dravidian design elements. This includes features such as temple-like pillars, beams, and cornices, which are indicative of shared regional craftsmanship rather than evidence of temple conversion.
The Fact Check unit cited historical accounts by Ibn Batuta, who noted that the ruling Sultans in Madurai had adopted local customs without destroying temples or idols, undermining the narrative of systematic temple conversions.
In elaborate architectural details, the Fact Check report noted that Sultan Alauddin was interred at Goripalayam in Madurai, with a mausoleum constructed in the 14th century that resembles a Pandya-period temple. Distinctly, this mausoleum features a dome, which differentiates it as an Islamic structure.
The mausoleum is situated on an elevated base, accessible via a staircase, and its outer walls are adorned with pilasters in traditional Pandya temple style. The main mandapam is surrounded by a prakara supported by classical Dravidian-style pillars, further evidencing its original purpose as a mausoleum.
Architectural modifications over time included the addition of a hall with arches, while the original granite pillars remain intact. The structure’s small minarets likely date from the 17th to 18th centuries, reinforcing its Islamic architectural characteristics.
In summary, the claims regarding the conversion of a Thiruparankundram temple into a Dargah have been found to be incorrect, with historical and architectural evidence supporting the original Islamic function of the Sikandhar Dargah.
The Tamil Nadu Fact Checking unit urged social media users to refrain from spreading communal hatred and to critically evaluate rumors before sharing.
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