Bhojshala verdict: Madhya Pradesh High Court declares site a temple

Indore: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has delivered its verdict in the long-running Bhojshala Temple–Kamal Maula Mosque complex dispute, declaring the site a temple.

The dispute revolves around the religious identity of the ASI-protected Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district.

The Hindu side regards Bhojshala as a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community identifies it as the Kamal Maula Mosque. A Jain petitioner has also argued that the site was originally a medieval Jain temple and gurukul.

Following the controversy, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) issued an order on April 7, 2003, allowing Hindus to perform worship on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays within the complex. This arrangement was later challenged in the Madhya Pradesh High Court by the Hindu petitioners, who sought exclusive rights to worship at the site.

Earlier today, Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav said it was unfortunate that several heritage sites linked to Hindu civilisation had, over time, either been altered or remained disputed, which he attributed to what he described as a colonial mindset. He said Bhojshala holds deep cultural and historical significance connected to traditions of learning, education, science and Sanatan culture.

Bhargav added that multiple petitions had been filed over the site’s religious character and expressed confidence in the judicial process, saying he believed that, based on the arguments, surveys and evidence presented before the court, “truth will prevail.”