First Saraswati Idol Installed at Bhojshala Amid Controversial Entry Restrictions
First Saraswati idol installed at Bhojshala sanctum; posters outside ban entry of non-Hindus
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, witnessed its first installation of a Goddess Saraswati idol during a ceremony on Sunday. Entry for non-Hindus has been banned, with only those wearing a tilak and saffron scarf allowed access, raising concerns over religious inclusivity.
- 01The Bhojshala Utsav Samiti has prohibited non-Hindus from entering the complex for security reasons.
- 02A ceremonial flame was installed in the sanctum, and prayers were offered to Goddess Vagdevi at sunrise.
- 03Union minister Savitri Thakur hoisted a saffron flag in line with new guidelines from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- 04Chief Minister Mohan Yadav pledged to restore Bhojshala's former glory for devotees nationwide.
- 05Former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh criticized the high court's ruling as ambiguous, questioning the legality of worship at the site.
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On Sunday, the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, held a significant ceremony marking the first installation of a Goddess Saraswati idol in its sanctum sanctorum. The Bhojshala Utsav Samiti, along with the Bhojshala Mukti Yagna Samiti, has put up posters banning entry for non-Hindus, stating that only individuals adorned with a tilak and saffron scarf will be allowed access for security reasons. During the ceremony, an eternal flame was ceremonially placed in the sanctum, and prayers to Goddess Vagdevi were conducted at sunrise, culminating in a special aarti at 11:45 am, attended by numerous devotees. Union minister Savitri Thakur led the hoisting of a saffron flag, adhering to new guidelines from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed the government's commitment to restoring Bhojshala to its former glory, aiming to attract devotees from across the country. However, former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh criticized the high court's ruling that established the site's religious character, calling it ambiguous and questioning the legality of worship practices.
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The decision to ban non-Hindus from entering Bhojshala may limit access to the site for diverse religious communities, impacting local tourism and interfaith relations.
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