Historic Verdict: Bhojshala Complex Recognized as Saraswati Temple

In a landmark decision, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has recognized the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. This ruling has prompted devotees to offer prayers to a portrait of the goddess at the historic site.

Following the judgment, Gopal Sharma, Bhojshala Mukti Yagna Convener, has urged for the swift return of the original Saraswati idol from the London Museum, asserting that the symbolic portrait will represent the deity until the idol's repatriation. According to the High Court, the religious nature of the contested site aligns with the temple, and the 2003 ASI arrangement restricting Hindu worship was annulled.

The court specified that the Union Government and ASI would decide on the Bhojshala temple's administration, while maintaining ASI's control over its conservation. Meanwhile, the State is considering allocating land to the Muslim community for a mosque. In anticipation of potential challenges to the verdict, caveat petitions were filed by Hindu-side litigants seeking a hearing if the judgment reaches the Supreme Court.

(With inputs from agencies.)