Karnataka-based Hindu activist and advocate Girish Bharadwaj has written to the Director of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), calling for the demolition of an allegedly illegal masjid near the Shri Bhoganandishwara Temple in Nandi Hills. Bharadwaj claims the structure violates ASI regulations and has urged immediate action.
In his letter dated May 27, 2024, addressed to the Director of ASI Bengaluru, Bharadwaj expressed significant concern about the unauthorised construction near the Bhoganandishwara Temple in Nandi, Chikkaballapura District. Bharadwaj noted that he had previously raised this issue in a letter dated May 26, 2023, to G Kishan Reddy, the Minister for Culture. Despite subsequent efforts, including filing an RTI application on February 22, 2024, and receiving a response from the Ministry of Culture on March 21, 2024, Bharadwaj stated that no action has been taken by the ASI to address the matter.
In his letter dated May 27, 2024, addressed to the Director of ASI Bengaluru, Bharadwaj underscored the significance of Nandi Hills and the importance of preserving its cultural and religious heritage.
“Nandi Hills holds immense cultural and religious significance, being situated just 60 kilometers from Bengaluru. The Bhoganandishwara Temple, a Grade-1 ASI protected structure, stands as a testament to the area’s rich heritage,” Bharadwaj wrote. He pointed out that the construction of the masjid within 70 meters of the temple violates ASI regulations and the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2010.
Bharadwaj emphasized that this unauthorized construction not only flouts established laws but also threatens the sanctity of the Bhoganandishwara Temple. He expressed concerns that the presence of the masjid could lead to activities such as non-vegetarian cooking, loudspeaker usage, and large gatherings, potentially disrupting the temple’s peaceful atmosphere and religious practices.
“In light of these concerns, I urgently request that the ASI take decisive action to demolish the unauthorised structure. By doing so, we can preserve the sanctity of the temple and uphold the interests of Hindu devotees who hold the Bhoganandishwara Swamy in high regard,” Bharadwaj concluded in his letter. He urged the ASI to act swiftly to restore the integrity of this sacred site.
I have written a letter to the Director of the Archaeological Survey of India, requesting necessary action to demolish the illegal structure that violates ASI regulations near Shri Bhoganandishwara Temple in Nandi Hills. @ASIGoI https://t.co/kKfua8TYOG pic.twitter.com/pziRciCT35
— Girish Bharadwaj (@Girishbdwj) May 28, 2024
Advocate Girish Bharadwaj lodged an FIR with the Police Sub-Inspector of Nandigram Police Station on February 19, 2024, drawing attention to an alarming issue. Simultaneously, Bharadwaj sought a civil case directive from the Additional Civil Judge at the JMFC court in Chikkaballapura circle. The activist’s FIR sheds light on the continued construction of a mosque by the Masjid Committee near the Bhoganandishwara Temple, an ASI-protected monument.
The Bhoganandishwara Temple, officially recognized as a centrally protected monument in the Gazette of India (No. 55 Part II on November 19, 1951), falls under the jurisdiction of the Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Bengaluru Circle. Furthermore, the Government of India issued another gazette notification (No. 13 dated 30 March 2010) under the AMASR Act 2010, which aims to safeguard and preserve heritage sites. This legislation prohibits any construction, including public projects, within the protected areas surrounding monuments of national significance.
Despite the regulations and multiple stoppage notices issued by the authorities (Notice No. BNG/NOC/21-22/60 dated 05.08.2021 and Notice No. BNG/NOC/21-22/77 dated 25.08.2021), unauthorised construction activities have persisted near the Bhoganandishwara Temple. The Masjid-E-Rahimiya Chairman has reportedly initiated the construction of a first-floor prayer hall and renovation work within approximately 30 metres of the temple, in blatant violation of the law.
The situation in Nandi Hills echoes similar tensions in Tamil Nadu, where Hindu groups like Hindu Munnani have protested against Muslims building a dargah atop the famous Thiruparankundram Murugan temple. These actions have led to opposition during festivals such as Karthigai Deepam and have sparked clashes between communities in Dindigul and other areas.
Critics argue that minority appeasement policies contribute to these conflicts. Bharadwaj’s actions underscore the ongoing struggle to preserve the sanctity and heritage of Hindu religious sites against unauthorised encroachments, with broader implications for community relations and heritage conservation across India.
The ASI’s response to these developments is awaited, as the issue garners increasing attention from both local and national observers.
