New Delhi: The centuries-old debate surrounding the origins of the Taj Mahal has resurfaced after Senior Advocate Harishankar Jain claimed that he possesses documentary evidence proving the iconic monument was originally a Hindu Mandir known as “Tejo Mahalaya.” His remarks come at a time when the Allahabad High Court is hearing a petition seeking a court-supervised survey of the Taj Mahal premises to determine whether a Mandir dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva exists within the complex.
🚨 BIG TAJ MAHAL CLAIM
"I have documentary evidence."🤯
Sr. Advocate Harishankar Jain says the Taj Mahal was originally the HINDU Temple "Tejo Mahalaya," built in 1156 AD by King Parmar Dev. pic.twitter.com/zV7Lng0nCX
— The Analyzer (News Updates🗞️) (@Indian_Analyzer) July 8, 2026
Speaking on the issue, Jain asserted that the Taj Mahal was constructed in 1156 AD by King Parmar Dev as a Shiva Mandir and was later modified during the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. He claimed to possess historical documents supporting this assertion and maintained that these records would establish the monument’s original identity as “Tejo Mahalaya.”
Allahabad High Court Seeks Centre, ASI’s Stand
In a significant development, the Allahabad High Court has directed the Union Government and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to file their counter-affidavits on a petition challenging an Agra court’s refusal to permit a survey of the Taj Mahal. The High Court has also issued notices to private respondents in the matter.
The petition has been filed on behalf of Lord Sri Agreshwar Mahadev Nagnatheswar Virajman, through “next friend” Harishankar Jain, along with other devotees. It challenges the dismissal of an application seeking the appointment of an Advocate Commissioner to conduct an inspection, photography and videography of the monument.
The petitioners have requested the court to order a comprehensive survey of the Taj Mahal complex, arguing that such an exercise would help establish whether the structure contains remains of a pre-existing Hindu Mandir.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal has sought responses from the Centre and the ASI before proceeding further with the matter. The case is expected to continue after the authorities submit their replies.
According to reports, the petition relies on 109 alleged historical, architectural and cultural features which, the petitioners claim, indicate that the Taj Mahal predates the Mughal period and originally functioned as a Hindu Mandir dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva. These include claims regarding the structure’s architectural layout, symbolism, inscriptions and design elements.
Harishankar Jain’s Claims
Harishankar Jain has maintained that:
* The monument was originally known as Tejo Mahalaya.
* It was built in 1156 AD by King Parmar Dev.
* Shah Jahan did not construct the building from scratch but modified an existing Hindu structure.
* Documentary and historical records allegedly support this claim.
* A scientific inspection of the monument would reveal evidence of its original character.
These assertions have been made by Jain and the petitioners before the court but have not been judicially established.
The Archaeological Survey of India has consistently maintained that the Taj Mahal is a 17th-century Mughal mausoleum commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The monument is officially protected as a centrally protected monument and is recognised globally as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. The controversy surrounding the Taj Mahal has reached courts several times over the past few years.
In 2022, the Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition seeking the opening of the monument’s sealed rooms to investigate claims regarding hidden Hindu murtis or inscriptions. The court observed that historical issues should ordinarily be addressed through academic research rather than judicial intervention.
