bhojshala-saga-begins-as-kashi-hindus-hope-soars-as-asi-survey-beckons

In the aftermath of the court's ruling on Bhojshala, a historical structure in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar, fervent celebrations erupted among Hindu devotees who gathered at the site on Tuesday to recite Hanuman Chalisa and offer prayers.

 

On the contrary, members of the Muslim community are gearing up to challenge the high court's decision by moving to the Supreme Court.

 

The Madhya Pradesh High Court's directive to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a "scientific survey" of the Bhojshala complex within six weeks has ignited hopes and expectations among both Hindus and Muslims, who assert their ownership of the site.

 

For Hindus, Bhojshala is an 11th-century temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), safeguarded by the ASI. However, the Muslim community identifies it as Kamal Maula Mosque. Under an arrangement facilitated by the ASI in 2003, Hindus perform rituals on Tuesdays while Muslims offer prayers on Fridays.

 

Ashok Jain, a leader of Bhoj Utsav Samiti, expressed optimism after the court's decision, emphasizing the significance of the ASI survey in determining the site's rightful ownership. He mentioned the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa as a symbolic act of faith and hope.

 

Sumit Choudhary, General Secretary of Bhoj Utsav Samiti, hailed the court's acceptance of the longstanding demand for an ASI survey, anticipating the restoration of Bhojshala's former glory through a transparent investigation.

 

Gopal Sharma, another prominent Hindu leader, highlighted the community's jubilation and unwavering commitment to the cause, citing the sustained Satyagraha held every Tuesday for the past 32 years.

 

Amidst the celebrations, videos surfaced on social media depicting women joyously dancing to devotional songs within the precincts of Bhojshala.

 

However, Shahar Qazi of Dhar city expressed dissatisfaction with the court's decision on behalf of the Muslim community, signaling their intention to challenge it in the Supreme Court.

 

The history of Bhojshala, believed to have been established by Raja Bhoj in 1034 AD, underscores the deep-rooted sentiments and complexities surrounding its ownership, with Hindu groups alleging the removal of Vagdevi's statue by the British in 1875.