Vitthala, also known as Vithoba and Panduranga, is a Hindu god and a form of the god Vishnu in his avatar as Krishna. Vitthala is primarily worshipped in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The 11th-century Bhojshala is an ASI-protected monument. Hindus believe it is a temple of Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati) but the Muslim side disputes it claiming that it is Kamal Maula Mosque.
In its response, the Archaeological Survey of India attached its survey details from 1920. The Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex was listed at number 37 among a group of 39 monuments.
Congress spokesperson Lavanya Ballal Jain had insinuated that the research work undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India at the disputed Gynavapi mosque was somehow not actual scientific finding but an opinionated survey of sorts devoid of scientific temperament.
":Minute study of the pillars and pilasters in corridor suggest that they were originally part of the pre-existing Hindu temple,” ASI report on Gyanvapi
“All the acts in the madarsa are totally illegal and a violation of Section 7, Rule 7 & 8 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act and Rules,” the petitioner said
A suit was filed in 1991 by the Ancient Idol of Swayambhu Lord Vishweshwar and 5 others before a local court in Varanasi seeking the removal of the mosque and restoration of the disputed land to Hindus.
The Karnataka Endowments officials did not seek permission from the Arcaheological Survey of India and dug a nail into the UNESCO Heritage site without their consent.