Bhojshala Verdict: Idol's Location Central to Temple-Mosque Dispute

The Madhya Pradesh High Court, on May 15, 2026, delivered a landmark verdict declaring the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar as a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Vagdevi). This significant ruling effectively quashed a 2003 order by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that had allowed Hindus to worship at the complex on Tuesdays and Basant Panchami, while permitting Muslims to offer namaz there every Friday between 1 pm and 3 pm. The court's decision now grants Hindus the right to unrestricted worship at the site, while advising the Muslim community to seek alternative land for a mosque from the state government. The core of the High Court's judgment stems from a comprehensive 2,200-page scientific survey report conducted by the ASI between March and June 2024. The survey, ordered by the High Court in March 2024, unearthed extensive archaeological evidence, including temple remains, Sanskrit inscriptions, broken idol fragments, and various Hindu religious symbols within the structure. The report concluded that the existing structure was built using materials from earlier temples, suggesting that a pre-existing Hindu temple was either dismantled or destroyed to construct the present mosque structure at a later date. Central to the article's focus and indeed, a significant aspect of the historical claims, is the idol of Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati). Historical accounts indicate that an idol of Goddess Vagdevi was discovered within the Bhojshala complex by British official Major General William Kincaid in 1875. This four-armed marble idol was subsequently moved to England and is currently housed in the British Museum in London. While Hindu petitioners consistently identify it as Goddess Saraswati, the British Museum's own description classifies the sculpture as a Jaina yakṣiṇī Ambikā. The High Court's verdict has also noted the petitioners' plea for the idol's repatriation from London and its reinstallation at the Bhojshala complex, suggesting that the Union government 'may consider' such representations. The Bhojshala complex, an 11th-century monument built by Raja Bhoj of the Parmara dynasty, has been a site of contention for decades. Hindus consider it a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and a center of Sanskrit learning, while Muslims regard it as the Kamal Maula Mosque. The dispute intensified in the 1990s and has seen recurring tensions and legal battles, leading to the 2003 ASI compromise formula which has now been struck down. The High Court's ruling drew parallels and principles from the Supreme Court's 2019 Ayodhya judgment, which also relied on archaeological evidence to determine the religious character of a disputed site. The court emphasised that it was determining the 'character' of the disputed area based on historical literature, architectural features, and ASI reports, rather than deciding on the title of the property. It rejected arguments citing the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, stating that Bhojshala was a protected monument since 1904, pre-dating the act. The verdict has elicited strong reactions. Hindu organizations and BJP leaders have hailed the decision as a victory for Hinduism. Conversely, Muslim petitioners have expressed dissatisfaction and announced their intention to challenge the High Court's decision in the Supreme Court, citing alleged flaws in the ASI survey report. Congress MP Digvijaya Singh also weighed in, calling the High Court's verdict "vague" and questioning whether worship can be permitted at an ASI-protected monument. He reiterated his long-standing view that the Saraswati idol should be brought back to India. A Hindu petitioner has already filed a caveat in the Supreme Court to ensure their side is heard in any appeal. Moreover, Jain community representatives had also filed petitions, claiming the site was a Jain temple and that the idol in the British Museum was of the Jain Goddess Ambika. However, the High Court dismissed these claims, stating that historical evidence did not support the assertion of it being a Jain temple. Security arrangements were heightened in Dhar following the verdict, with over 1,200 security personnel deployed. The ASI will retain overall supervisory control for the preservation and conservation of the monument, while the Central government and ASI are directed to make decisions regarding its administration and management, including its role as a Sanskrit learning center. In essence, the Madhya Pradesh High Court's ruling marks a significant moment in the long-standing Bhojshala dispute, shifting the legal and religious landscape of the complex. The presence and identification of the Goddess Vagdevi/Ambika/Saraswati idol remain a poignant symbol at the heart of this historical and ongoing contention. The case is now anticipated to move to the Supreme Court for further adjudication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest