MADURAI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and his family paid a visit to Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple, located in the heart of Madurai city, on Wednesday and offered prayers. The temple priests accorded him a traditional welcome.

Talking to reporters, Pradhan condemned the State government's handling of the Tiruparankundram Deepathoon row. "The Tiruparankundram issue was dealt with politically by the government.

Those who prohibit devotees from the religious practice of lighting lamp atop Tiruparankundram hill, which is regarded as a sacred site, are fools. Lord Shiva will teach them a lesson.

Tamil and Thirukkural are inseparable, and so is Tiruparankundram and spiritual light," the minister said. Citing these, the Minister said nobody could stop devotees from lighting the lamp atop Tiruparankundram.

Tamil and Thirukkural are inseparable, and so is Tiruparankundram and spiritual light," the minister said. Citing these, the Minister said nobody could stop devotees from lighting the lamp atop Tiruparankundram.