Ancient Hindu, Jain idols found in Bharuch Jama Masjid basement, viral video sparks fresh questions

A video has surfaced showing ancient Hindu and Jain idols in the basement of the controversial Jama Masjid in Bharuch. The footage reportedly shows idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, and Jain Tirthankara Mallinath in an underground chamber of the mosque.

Speaking to OpIndia, Swami Muktanand of Bharuch stated that the video is authentic and corroborates what Hindu saints have been asserting for a long time. He added that history cannot be erased and that the truth is now visible to everyone.

It is noteworthy that Hindu saints and organisations have long maintained that the Jama Masjid in Bharuch was built after demolishing Hindu and Jain temples. Earlier in January, OpIndia published a detailed report outlining the historical evidence and documentation cited in support of this claim.

Swami Muktanand further stated that despite the Jama Masjid being a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), certain regulations are allegedly not being followed. He said their demand is simply that the monument be managed strictly according to ASI rules and that all activities conducted in violation of those regulations be stopped.

Recently, the local administration demolished an allegedly illegal wudu facility constructed at the site and removed encroachments. In addition, one of the entrances leading to the underground chamber has been sealed by the authorities.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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