In a significant development following the Madhya Pradesh High Court's verdict on the long-disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex, prayers were offered to Goddess Saraswati at the site on Monday, a day after an idol was consecrated. The court's ruling recognized the religious character of the complex as a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), dating back to the Bhoj-Parmar dynasty.
Reactions to the Verdict
Gopal Sharma, convener of the Bhojshala Mukti Yagna, welcomed the court's decision, stating that the site had finally been recognized as a temple. According to news agency ANI, Sharma said, "The High Court has directed the government that the idol of Goddess Vagdevi should be repatriated from London. The complex has finally been declared as a temple, and we will consecrate that idol here, but till then, this idol, consecrated yesterday, will stay here."
On Sunday, Sharma announced that the complex would now be known as "Maa Saraswati Kanthabharan" and described the court's ruling as "historic." He elaborated on the long struggle, saying, "In 1305, Alauddin Khilji insulted our mother and cast her out from here. For 720 years, the Hindu community has been struggling for this. Thousands have sacrificed their lives to protect our mother. Many have lived their lives constantly dedicated to this idea. In 1952, our ancestors formed the Maharaja Bhoj Smriti Vasantotsav Committee and sowed the seed for the liberation of Raja Bhoj's Vagdevi Bhojshala. This struggle continued for 720 years. Today, through the High Court, we have washed away the stain on this Bhojshala. Until yesterday, this Bhojshala was known as Kamal Maula Mosque; now it will be known as Maa Saraswati Kanthabharan."
Rituals and Future Plans
According to ANI, Sharma further claimed that symbolic rituals and worship were conducted at the complex after the court order. He stated, "Also, the court has ordered the central government to reinstall the idol that the British took to London back into Bhojshala. The Hindu community is enthusiastic. This struggle, penance, and meditation of the entire Hindu community over all these years has finally reached a comma, not a full stop. Today, we have placed its symbolic portrait in Bhojshala and established it with enthusiasm, followed by Havan and Puja. The Havan will continue throughout the day."
Referring to a recent Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) order, Sharma said the site would now be treated as a Hindu temple. "The ASI has ordered that Bhojshala is now a Hindu temple and will be known as a Hindu temple. Muslims should make their arrangements for Namaz elsewhere in consultation with the administration. The central government has been asked to re-establish the idol. That process has now begun. Over time, the original idol will also be installed here. But today, we have placed its symbolic portrait and started the idol worship and installation," he added.
Official Participation
Dhar Collector Rajeev Ranjan Meena and Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma also participated in the prayer rituals at the complex, underscoring the official acknowledgment of the changed status.
Court's Ruling and ASI's Role
The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday ruled that the religious character of the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex is that of Bhojshala, a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati). The court also partially set aside the ASI's April 7, 2003 order, which had allowed the Muslim community to offer namaz at the site on Fridays. ASI counsel Aviral Vikas Khare confirmed that the Bhojshala complex would continue to remain under the protection and supervision of the ASI. "The entire administration and regulation of this monument shall remain exclusively with the ASI," Khare said.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, appearing for the Hindu side, termed the verdict "historic" and said the court had recognized the Bhojshala complex as belonging to Raja Bhoj. He further noted that the court had also addressed the demand for the repatriation of the idol, which is currently kept in a museum in London.
Legal Challenges Ahead
Meanwhile, two caveat petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court, anticipating a possible challenge to the High Court verdict by the Muslim side. This indicates that the legal battle may continue, as the dispute remains a sensitive and long-standing issue.
