Madhya Pradesh High Court Recognizes Bhojshala as a Hindu Temple
Bhojshala Verdict: Temple Claims, Mosque History And The Courtroom Fight | All You Need To Know
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The Madhya Pradesh High Court has recognized the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, as a Hindu temple associated with Goddess Vagdevi Saraswati, overturning a 2003 order by the Archaeological Survey of India. The ruling allows the Muslim community to seek alternate land for a mosque, amid a long-standing dispute that intertwines archaeology, religion, and politics.
- 01The court's ruling emphasized the continuity of Hindu worship at Bhojshala, stating it has never been extinguished.
- 02The ASI's report indicated that the current structure incorporates parts from earlier temples, supporting Hindu claims.
- 03The ruling allows the state government to consider requests for the return of a Vagdevi idol currently in a London museum.
- 04The Bhojshala complex has a complex history, with both Hindu and Muslim claims dating back centuries.
- 05The site has been a focal point for communal tensions and legal battles over the years, particularly around significant Hindu festivals.
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The Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, has been officially recognized by the Madhya Pradesh High Court as a Hindu temple linked to Goddess Vagdevi Saraswati. This ruling quashes a 2003 order from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that had regulated worship at the site, allowing Hindus to perform rituals on Tuesdays and Muslims on Fridays. The court's decision is seen as a significant victory for Hindu groups, who argue that the site was originally a temple established by Raja Bhoj in the 11th century. The ruling also permits the Muslim community to seek alternative land for a mosque, acknowledging the long-standing and complex historical claims of both communities. The ASI's report, which played a crucial role in the court's decision, revealed over 1,700 artefacts, including Hindu idol fragments and inscriptions, suggesting that the current structure incorporates elements from earlier temples. The court noted that Hindu worship at Bhojshala has persisted and directed the ASI to oversee its preservation. Additionally, it mentioned the possibility of returning a Vagdevi idol currently housed in a London museum to the site.
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The ruling is likely to affect communal relations and religious practices in Dhar, as it may alter worship arrangements and spark further discussions about land allocation for the Muslim community.
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