Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh — In a historic judgment that settles a decades-old dispute, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has officially declared the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district as a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Vagdevi).
The ruling, delivered on May 15, 2026, marks a significant turning point for the 11th-century structure. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav welcomed the decision, congratulating the people of Madhya Pradesh and stating that the court has “acknowledged the historical truth” of the site.
The Court’s Findings: Evidence from the Past
The Division Bench, comprising Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi, based its 242-page judgment largely on a comprehensive scientific survey conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The court concluded that:
- Original Character: The site was originally a center of Sanskrit learning and a temple established during the reign of Raja Bhoj of the Paramara dynasty (c. 1010–1055 CE).
- Archaeological Proof: The ASI survey unearthed over 1,700 relics, including idols of Hindu deities such as Ganesha, Brahma, and Narasimha. The report noted that the current structure was built using the dismantled remains of earlier temple pillars and carvings.
- Continuous Worship: The bench observed that the “continuity of Hindu worship” at the site had never been fully extinguished, even though access had been regulated by the government over the years.
What Changes Now?
The High Court has quashed a previous ASI order from 2003 which allowed a “shared” arrangement—where Hindus worshipped on Tuesdays and during Basant Panchami, while Muslims offered Namaz on Fridays.
Key directives from the ruling include:
- Right to Worship: The Hindu community is now legally recognized as having the right to worship at the site.
- Administration: The Union Government and the ASI have been directed to manage the affairs of the temple and the Sanskrit learning center.
- Alternative Land for Mosque: To ensure “complete justice,” the court directed the State Government to consider allotting suitable alternative land within the Dhar district for the Muslim community to construct a mosque, should they apply for it.
- The Saraswati Idol: The court also addressed the long-standing demand to bring back the original idol of Goddess Saraswati, currently housed in the British Museum in London, asking the Central Government to consider representations for its repatriation.
Why This Verdict Matters
This case has often been compared to the Ayodhya Janmabhoomi dispute. By applying principles from the Supreme Court’s 2019 Ayodhya verdict—specifically regarding the “preponderance of probabilities” and archaeological evidence—the High Court has provided a legal framework for resolving complex historical disputes involving protected monuments.
For the residents of Dhar and the state of Madhya Pradesh, the verdict brings a sense of closure to a legal battle that has lasted for generations.
Key Takeaways
- Verdict: Bhojshala is legally recognized as a temple of Goddess Saraswati.
- Evidence: Based on an ASI report finding 1,700+ Hindu relics and temple architecture.
- Muslim Rights: The court suggested the state provide alternative land for a mosque in Dhar.
- Management: ASI retains supervisory control over the conservation of the monument.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Bhojshala? Bhojshala is an 11th-century monument in Dhar, MP, built by Raja Bhoj. It is historically known as a temple of Goddess Saraswati and a major center for Sanskrit studies.
2. Why was the site disputed? For decades, the site was used by both Hindus (as a temple) and Muslims (as the Kamal Maula Mosque). This led to legal disputes over its original religious identity and right of use.
3. What happens to the mosque now? The court ruled the structure’s character is that of a temple. It has asked the government to facilitate the allotment of different land in the district for a mosque to maintain communal harmony.
4. Can the decision be challenged? Yes, like any High Court verdict, the parties involved have the right to appeal the decision in the Supreme Court of India.
