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New Delhi: The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted permission for a scientific survey of Bhojshala, situated in Dhar district, stirring the debate over its religious identity. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is tasked with conducting the survey within a span of six weeks, marking a significant development in the ongoing dispute.
In response to a petition filed by the Hindu Trust, the High Court deliberated on the matter and eventually sanctioned the ASI survey, echoing the Hindu side's stance. The decision was made after a hearing held on February 19, with the court reserving its judgment until now.
Bhojshala stands as an ASI-protected monument, with divergent beliefs surrounding its identity. While Hindus revere it as the temple of Vagdevi (Mata Saraswati), the Muslim community asserts its status as the Kamal Maula Masjid. The clash of beliefs has sparked legal battles and societal tensions over the years.
The legal saga traces back to a petition lodged by the Hindu Front for Justice on May 2, 2022, challenging the practice of offering Namaz within the premises of Bhojshala. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the petitioners, confirmed that the court's decision aligns with the plea for a thorough survey akin to the Gyanvapi dispute in Kashi.
The demand for a scientific survey arose two years ago when the Hindu Front for Justice sought clarity on Bhojshala's religious affiliation. The court's decision to greenlight the survey was propelled by evidence presented by the petitioners, including colored pictures and inscriptions in Sanskrit on the pillars, indicative of its Hindu heritage.
As the ASI gears up to delve into the historical and architectural aspects of Bhojshala, the survey holds the promise of shedding light on its intricate past and resolving the contentious debate over its religious identity. The court's decision marks a crucial step towards seeking clarity and fostering harmony amidst religious diversity.
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