Shruti Suman
Following the pattern of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, another contested site, the Bhojshala in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, is now slated for examination by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This decision stems from a directive by the Madhya Pradesh High Court in response to a plea filed by the Hindu Front, a right-wing group.
The court instructed the ASI to conduct a thorough survey of the Bhojshala, requiring the collection of photographs and videos. The deadline for submitting the report to the court is set for April 29, coinciding with the next hearing session, as stated by Justices SA Dharmadhikari and Dev Narayan Mishra.
The ASI is mandated to utilize advanced techniques and equipment, including the Ground Penetration Radar System and carbon dating, to determine the structure’s age accurately.
The petitioners have demanded the right to perform daily worship at the site if the survey confirms the existence of a temple.
The Bhojshala site, housing a temple complex devoted to Goddess Saraswati, has been a source of contention for an extended period. Presently, worship is permitted solely on Vasant Panchami, while namaz is offered at the Kamal Maula Masjid for the remainder of the year.
Upon receiving the ASI’s report, the court will deliberate on the petitioner’s plea for reinstating the right to daily worship. Additionally, the court will address the matter of investigating the Waqf status of the Kamal Maula Masjid.
