Pratik AgrawalFor the first time in years, Hindu devotees entered the Bhojshala Temple complex in Dhar freely to offer prayers. The Madhya Pradesh High Court declared the site a temple of Goddess Vagdevi ending decades of dispute and a 2003 ASI-approved shared-worship arrangement.
Devotees Pour Into Bhojshala After Landmark Court Verdict
Dozens of devotees streamed into the Bhojshala complex in Dhar on Saturday morning their spirits high. The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court had, just a day earlier, declared the long-contested Bhojshala–Kamal Maula complex a temple. The ruling granted the Hindu community full rights to worship at the site an outcome years in the making.
A small but emotional group gathered within the premises to offer prayers. One devotee, visibly moved, spoke to reporters right there. “After years, we got the chance to have darshan without any obstacle. The court gave a great verdict. I will come here every day to offer prayers,” the devotee said.
Court Declares Bhojshala a Temple Recognises Raja Bhoj Connection
The Madhya Pradesh High Court delivered its verdict on Friday a ruling that reverberated across the country. The court recognised the complex as belonging to Raja Bhoj of the Parmar dynasty. It also acknowledged Bhojshala as an ancient centre of Sanskrit learning and a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi Saraswati.
The division bench comprising Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi examined historical literature, ASI survey reports, archaeological findings and inscriptions. “Historical literature establishes” that the site was originally Bhojshala, the court noted tied closely to Raja Bhoj and Sanskrit scholarship. The bench further observed that Hindu worship at Bhojshala “has never been extinguished” over the centuries.
Also Read | Bhojshala Declared a Hindu Temple, MP High Court Ends Decades of Dispute in Dhar
ASI Order from 2003 Partially Set Aside Friday Namaz Arrangement Ends
ASI lawyer Aviral Vikas Khare clearly explained the key points of the ruling to the media. “The key highlights of this order are that the Bhojshala site has been determined to be a temple. Based on this determination of its character, the Hindu community has been granted the right to offer worship at the site. Additionally, the ASI’s previous order which had granted the Muslim community permission to offer ‘Namaz’ (prayers) on Fridays for a specific duration has been modified. The complex itself will remain under the custody of the ASI,” he said.
The arrangement in place since a 2003 ASI notification had allowed both communities to share the site. Fridays were designated for Muslim prayers. That arrangement now stands altered a shift the court termed necessary given the site’s established Hindu religious character.
‘Historic Verdict’ Lawyer for Hindu Side Hails the Judgment
Senior advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain who represented the Hindu side throughout the legal battle called the verdict historic. He addressed reporters after the High Court’s order was pronounced. “The Indore High Court has delivered a historic verdict, partially setting aside the ASI’s order dated April 7, 2003. Furthermore, the Court has granted the Hindu side the right to worship and has recognised the Bhojshala complex as belonging to Raja Bhoj,” Jain said.
Jain also revealed that the court addressed the demand for the repatriation of a Goddess Saraswati idol currently housed in a London museum. The court reportedly acknowledged this point during hearings.
Also Read | Bhojshala Is a Hindu Temple And Now, Hindus Say They Will Worship There Freely
Supreme Court Caveat Pleas Filed Challenge Expected
Hours after the MP High Court declared Bhojshala a temple two caveat pleas were moved in the Supreme Court. These pleas anticipate that parties from the Muslim side may challenge the verdict before the apex court. Legal observers expect the battle to continue at the national level much like the trajectory of the Ayodhya dispute, which the High Court itself referenced in its judgment.
The bench noted that archaeological sciences and the studies conducted by the ASI can be relied upon while resolving disputes of this nature. The Muslim side had earlier raised objections to the ASI survey and its conclusions. The court, however, accepted the report as a crucial part of the official record.
Heavy Security Calm Maintained in Dhar
Ahead of and following the verdict nearly 1,200 police personnel were deployed across Dhar district. The administration erected barricades at the complex and issued warnings against the spread of objectionable content on social media. Dhar Collector Rajeev Ranjan Meena warned of strict action against anyone attempting to disturb communal peace.
Despite tensions Saturday remained calm. Devotees offered prayers at Bhojshala without incident. The site continues under ASI custody and the administration has been directed to provide basic facilities for worshippers and maintain the sanctity of the monument.
Aditya Didwaniya
Akshay Didwaniya
Mayur Mohta
