In the ongoing dispute over the Bhojshala complex, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered a statue of Bhagwan Vishnu in the northeastern part of the complex located in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. The finding was confirmed by Hindu petitioner Gopal Sharma, who has been actively involved in the case.
“On the directions of the High Court, the ASI team conducted its survey… On the northeastern part of Bhojshala, a statue of Bhagwan Vishnu was found. The ASI team has taken it under their surveillance,” Sharma informed the media on June 24.
The Bhojshala complex, a medieval-era monument, is at the center of a religious dispute, with Hindus believing it to be a temple dedicated to Mata Vagdevi (Saraswati), while the Muslim community refers to it as the Kamal Maula Mosque. The survey by the ASI, which began on March 22, was initiated following a directive from the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, aimed at resolving the dispute through scientific investigation.
The High Court order dated March 11 mandated the ASI to form an expert committee to conduct a comprehensive scientific investigation, survey, and excavation using the latest methods and techniques. The initial survey period was set for six weeks, but during a hearing on April 29, the ASI requested additional time, which was granted by the court, extending the survey deadline by eight weeks from April 29.
Gopal Sharma elaborated on the survey process, stating, “The survey was initiated on March 22 and it was the 95th day of the survey. A team of eight officials and 32 laborers was conducting a survey in the sanctum sanctorum (garbhgriha) and in the northeastern part of Bhojshala. Today, the photography part was being done in Garbhagriha, while in the northeastern part of Bhojshala, a statue of Bhagwan Vishnu was found. Earlier, the ASI team had already found the statues of Bhagwan Krishna, Bhagwan Bholenath, and seven-faced Bhagwan Basukinathi.”
#WATCH | Dhar, Madhya Pradesh: Archaeological Survey of India finds a statue of Lord Vishnu in the northeastern part of Bhojshala.
Hindu petitioner Gopal Sharma says, "On the directions of the High Court, the ASI team conducted its survey…On the northeastern part of Bhojshala,… pic.twitter.com/tLtHUDSB5H
— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2024
The ASI is tasked with submitting a complete and exhaustive report of their findings to the High Court by July 2, 2024. The next court hearing on this matter is scheduled for July 4.
The Bhojshala complex has a unique arrangement to accommodate the religious practices of both communities. Since 2003, Hindus have been allowed to perform puja at the complex on Tuesdays from sunrise to sunset, while Muslims offer namaz on Fridays from 1 pm to 3 pm.
The discovery of the Vishnu statue adds a new layer to the ongoing dispute, with potential implications for both religious communities. The ASI’s final report and the subsequent court ruling will be crucial in determining the future of the Bhojshala complex and its historical and religious significance.
