On 2nd December, the controversy surrounding the historic Bhojshala resurfaced when Hindus who had gathered for puja and Hanuman Chalisa faced opposition from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar. The ASI also confiscated a new oil painting of Goddess Vagdevi, refusing to allow it into the premises.
The Hindu organisations had arrived with the deity’s painting, intending to bring it inside the building for worship. However, officials from the ASI denied them permission, leading to a tense atmosphere. The president of the Bhoj Utsav Committee expressed, “Each Tuesday, we perform a Satyagraha for the goddess with an oil painting. The painting was only changed this time but it was not allowed inside and was seized. We oppose this action. Given that all the other programs are being carried out without the approval of the ASI, this unfair treatment must end. Our oil painting needs to be returned and if not, we will protest forcefully.”
Hindu outfits charged that preparations for the Urs, involving painting and whitewashing on the premises, were underway without authorisation. However, the Hindus have encountered continuous obstruction. They added that ASI’s current move has intensified the discontent among the Sakal Hindu Samaj and the Bhoj Utsav Samiti.
They warned that that if the painting is not returned promptly and the unauthorised activities are not halted, they will be compelled to initiate a strong protest. Meanwhile, the Vasant Panchami festival, falls on 23rd January which coincides with a Friday. The Hindu community wishes for prayers to be held throughout day but Muslims also offer prayers at the site on this day.
Background of the controversy
Bhojshala complex has been at the centre of a dispute between the Hindu and Muslim communities as the Muslims insist that the Bhojshala complex is ‘Kamal Maula mosque’ but the Hindus highlight that it has been a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati). ASI began a scientific survey on 22nd March 2024 following the orders of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
Notably, the survey discovered Sanskrit-Prakrit inscriptions older than Arabic, the majority of which began with Om Sarasvityanamah. Om Namah Shivay, idols and figures of Hindu deities, alongside inscriptions indicating the presence of an educational centre were also found. Hindu relics were uncovered during a previous excavation in Bhojshala in 1987.
