THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, May 15: The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday declared the disputed Bhojshala site in Dhar as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and quashed the 2003 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) arrangement permitting Muslims to offer namaz at the complex.
Allowing petitions filed by the Hindu Front for Justice and others, a Division Bench of Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi held that the religious character of the site is that of a Saraswati temple.
“The religious character of the area is held to be Bhojshala with the temple of Goddess Vagdevi Saraswati,” the Court observed.
HC Relies on Historical and Archaeological Material
The Bench noted the continuity of Hindu worship at the site and referred to historical literature describing Bhojshala as a centre of Sanskrit learning associated with Raja Bhoj.
The Court held that the material on record established the existence of a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati at Dhar.
2003 ASI Circular Partly Quashed
The High Court quashed the ASI’s 2003 arrangement to the extent that it restricted Hindu worship and allowed the Muslim community to offer namaz at the complex on Fridays.
At the same time, the Court said the Muslim community may apply for allotment of suitable land within Dhar district for construction of a mosque or prayer site.
The State government has been asked to consider such an application in accordance with law.
Centre, ASI Directed to Manage Temple
The Court directed the Central government and ASI to take a decision regarding the administration and management of Bhojshala temple and Sanskrit learning activities at the site. ASI will continue to oversee the monument.
The Bench also observed that governments are constitutionally obligated to preserve ancient monuments, temples, and places of historical and spiritual importance.
Saraswati Idol in British Museum
On the plea seeking restoration of the Saraswati idol currently housed in the British Museum in London, the Court said the Union government may consider representations seeking its return and reinstallation at the Bhojshala complex.
Background of Bhojshala Dispute
Bhojshala, an 11th-century ASI-protected monument in Dhar, has long been claimed by both Hindu and Muslim communities. Hindus regard it as a temple of Goddess Saraswati, while Muslims consider it the Kamal Maula Mosque.
Under a 2003 ASI arrangement, Hindus were allowed to perform puja on Tuesdays and Muslims were permitted to offer Friday namaz.
The dispute led to multiple petitions before the Madhya Pradesh High Court, including pleas seeking exclusive Hindu worship rights and restraint on namaz at the site. The matter also involved ASI surveys and proceedings before the Supreme Court.
