Bhojshala Was A Saraswati Temple, Courts Verdict Must Be Respected: Archaeologist KK Muhammed

New Delhi: In the newest Mandir-Mosque controversy in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, famend archaeologist Ok Ok Muhammed asserted on Sunday that the disputed Bhojshala/Kamal Maula Mosque advanced initially functioned as a Saraswati temple earlier than being reworked into an Islamic web site of worship. Emphasising the significance of respecting the courtroom’s verdict and upholding the Places of Worship Act, 1991, he advocated for Hindus and Muslims to return collectively to resolve variations relating to such places amicably. He additionally highlighted the same problems with Kashi and Mathura, saying that Muslims also needs to acknowledge the feelings of Hindus relating to these premises. 

In compliance with current orders from the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is conducting a survey of the disputed Bhojshala advanced in a tribal-dominated district of Madhya Pradesh. Hindus contemplate it to be a temple devoted to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), whereas the Muslim group refers to it because the Kamal Maula Mosque. 

However, a former ASI official, Muhammed, referenced the Places of Worship Act 1991, stating to PTI, “The historical truth concerning Dhar (Bhojshala) is that it was originally a Saraswati temple. It was subsequently converted into an Islamic Mosque. However, according to the Places of Worship Act 1991, the cutoff year is 1947. If it was identified as a temple before 1947, then it remains a temple; conversely, if it was recognized as a mosque, then it retains that status.” He added that each events ought to adhere to the Act, and the excessive courtroom will make its determination after contemplating all pertinent info. 

Muhammed, who was a member of the preliminary excavation group headed by Professor B B Lal in Ayodhya throughout 1976-77. He had beforehand mentioned that he was among the many first to find traces of a Ram temple beneath the Babri mosque. The recipient of the Padma Shri award maintained that there’s unequivocal proof indicating that the location was initially a Saraswati temple. He cautioned each factions towards taking actions that would doubtlessly result in widespread issues, reported company. 

Mosque-Temple Controversy 

On March 11, the Madhya Pradesh High Court issued an order directing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a complete survey of the Bhojshala Temple and Kamal Maula Mosque advanced in Dhar district, to be accomplished inside six weeks. The courtroom emphasised the significance of elucidating the true nature and identification of the advanced, aiming to resolve the prevailing confusion surrounding it.  

This ASI-protected web site is seen by Hindus as a temple devoted to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), whereas Muslims regard it as the location of the Kamal Maula Mosque. As per a 2003 settlement, Hindus carry out rituals on the advanced on Tuesdays, and Muslims provide prayers on Fridays.