Bhojshala Ruled as Saraswati Temple by MP HC, Ends Mosque Prayers

Madhya Pradesh High Court's Indore bench dropped a bombshell on Friday, affirming the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar as a Hindu temple of Maa Vagdevi. Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi quashed an earlier directive that permitted namaz in the shared space, prioritizing the site's ancient temple status. Delving deep into antiquity, the judges cited scriptures, inscriptions, and structural evidence proving Bhojshala's origins as a Saraswati shrine and Sanskrit scholarship hub during the Paramara dynasty. 'This is no mosque; it's a protected monument embodying Hindu religious ethos,' the order stated firmly. Hindu petitioners had argued for exclusive worship rights, pointing to continuous traditions and historical usurpation. The court agreed, rejecting Muslim claims and suggesting alternative land allocation by the state government for namaz needs. Vishnu Shankar Jain, the lead counsel for Hindus, expressed elation to reporters: 'A monumental victory! The court has restored our right to worship at this sacred site, nullifying the 2003 permission for prayers.' This high-stakes verdict arrives amid a surge in temple-mosque litigations across India, fueled by demands for historical justice. Bhojshala, built by legendary King Bhoj in the 11th century, symbolizes India's rich intellectual past, once hosting scholars from afar. As the news spreads, Dhar witnesses heightened security to prevent tensions. Legal experts predict appeals to the Supreme Court, but for now, the gavel has spoken in favor of heritage preservation. The decision prompts reflection on balancing faith, history, and modernity in multicultural India.