DHAR(Madhya Pradesh): In a development to the Bhojsala complex dispute, a team of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday found a statue of Lord Vishnu in the northeastern part of ‘Bhojshala complex’ in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh.
According to a Hindu petitioner, the team of ASI had already recovered the statues of Lord Krishna, Lord Bholenath and seven-faced Lord Basukinathi from the northeastern part of ‘Bhojshala complex’.
The Hindu petitioner Gopal Sharma said, “On the directions of the High Court, the ASI team conducted its survey. The survey was initiated on March 22 and it was 95th day of the survey. A team of eight officials and 32 labourers 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 Lord Vishnu was found. Earlier, the ASI team has already found the statues of Lord Krishna, Lord Bholenath and seven-faced Lord Basukinathi. The ASI team has taken the statue of Lord Vishnu under their surveillance.”
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on March 22 conducted a survey of the Bhojshala/Kamal Maula Mosque complex situated in the tribal-dominated Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh and made preparations for using carbon-dating equipment.
A medieval-era monument that Hindus believe is a temple of Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while the Muslim community calls it Kamal Maula Mosque
In the order dated March 11, Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court had directed the ASI to constitute an expert committee that will “complete scientific investigation, survey and excavation, through the adoption of the latest methods and techniques” and submit the report within six weeks.
During the next hearing into the matter on April 29, the ASI sought more time for the survey. The court further granted ASI eight weeks’ time from April 29 for the survey.
The court also made clear that no further extension of time should be granted to comply with the order dated March 11. The court has also directed the ASI team to submit the complete exhaustive report on or before July 2, 2024. The next hearing into the matter is scheduled for July 4.
For Hindus, the Bhojshala Complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while for Muslims, it is the site of the Kamal Maula mosque.
According to an arrangement in 2003, Hindus perform puja at the complex on Tuesdays from sunrise to sunset, while Muslims offer namaz on Fridays from 1 pm to 3 pm. (ANI)