VARANASI: The safety surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi has been considerably bolstered following the general public disclosure of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey report, which unveiled the presence of a big Hindu temple predating the present construction.
Friday Prayers Under Scrutiny
The revelation of proof indicating former Hindu temples throughout the Gyanvapi mosque complicated has forged a shadow over Friday’s prayers. Recognizing the sensitivity of the state of affairs, authorities have taken swift motion to fortify safety measures, aiming to forestall any potential disturbances.
Media Distanced From Gyanvapi
A deliberate choice was made to take care of a substantial distance between the media and the Gyanvapi mosque, fostering an setting conducive to the orderly conduct of Friday prayers. Authorities have prioritised the preservation of tranquillity to thwart the unfold of misinformation and stop unwarranted alarm. Conscious efforts are being undertaken to defuse any brewing tensions within the neighborhood, with authorities proactively managing the state of affairs to forestall escalation.
What Are The Findings Of The ASI Survey?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report on the Gyanvapi mosque complicated revealed {that a} pre-existing construction appeared to have been destroyed within the seventeenth century, and “part of it was modified and reused,” including that based mostly on scientific research, it may be mentioned that there “existed a large Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure.”
“The Arabic-Persian inscription found inside a room mentions that the mosque was built in the 20th regnal year of Aurangzeb (1676-77 CE). Hence, the pre-existing structure appears to have been destroyed in the 17th century, during the reign of Aurangzeb, and part of it was modified and reused in the existing structure. Based on scientific studies/surveys carried out, study of architectural remains, exposed features and artefacts, inscriptions, art and sculptures, it can be said that there existed a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure,” the ASI mentioned in its report.
“Based on the scientific studies and observations on the central chamber and main entrance of the pre-existing structure in the existing structure, western chamber and western wall, reuse of pillars and pilasters of pre-existing structure in the existing structure, inscriptions on the existing structure, Arabic and Persian inscription on the loose stone, sculptural remains in cellars, etc.,it can be said that there existed a large Hindu temple, prior to the construction of the existing structure,” the report additional mentioned.
Legal Mandate For ASI Survey
The ASI’s investigation was instigated by a directive from the district court docket in response to claims by Hindu petitioners asserting that the Gyanvapi mosque was erected atop a pre-existing temple relationship again to the seventeenth century.
