Sun, 17 May 2026
Madhya Pradesh News Updated May 17, 2026 · 09:36

NHRC Member Priyank Kanungo Promises Grand Temple at Bhojshala After Ayodhya

Human Rights Commission member Priyank Kanungo welcomed the Madhya Pradesh High Court verdict on the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex, comparing it to the Ayodhya case. The court ruled that the religious character of the site is that of a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi, dating to the Bhoj-Parmar dynasty. The verdict partially set aside a 2003 ASI order that allowed Muslims to offer Namaz there on Fridays. Meanwhile, two caveat petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court anticipating a challenge from the Muslim side.

"Magnificent temple will be built at Bhojshala...": Human Rights Commission Member Priyank Kanungo

Vidisha, May 17

Human Rights Commission Member Priyank Kanungo on Sunday welcomed the verdict on the Bhojshala-Kamal Maulana mosque complex, saying that, similar to Ayodhya, a spectacular temple will be built at Bhojshala as well.

"India is currently in a phase of cultural renaissance, and our generation is a witness to this spiritual and cultural resurgence. As India moves towards becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, carrying its heritage along, the name of Bhojshala has now been added to this journey. We welcome the High Court's verdict regarding Bhojshala. Just as a magnificent temple has been constructed in Ayodhya, a magnificent temple will be built at Bhojshala as well," he said.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday ruled that the religious character of the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex was that of Bhojshala, a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), dating back to the Bhoj-Parmar dynasty.

The court also partially set aside the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) April 7, 2003, order, which had permitted the Muslim community to offer Namaz at the site on Fridays.

ASI lawyer Aviral Vikas Khare said the Bhojshala complex would continue to remain under the protection and supervision of the ASI.

"The entire administration and regulation of this monument shall remain exclusively with the ASI," Khare said.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, termed the verdict "historic" and said the court had recognised the Bhojshala complex as belonging to Raja Bhoj.

The advocate further revealed that the court addressed the demand for the repatriation of the idol, which is currently housed in a museum in London.

Meanwhile, two caveat petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court of India, anticipating a possible challenge to the High Court verdict by the Muslim side.

— ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I'm happy for the Hindu community, but I also feel for the Muslim side. Both communities have been attached to this site for centuries. Hope the temple construction happens peacefully and everyone respects the verdict. 🙏
A
Arjun K
'Viksit Bharat' with its heritage intact - that's the vision we need. History is being rewritten in our favour, and it's about time! The courts have spoken, let the temple rise. 🇮🇳
S
Siddharth J
Why is the government involving itself in matters of faith? Shouldn't secularism mean equal distance from all religions? Reopening these disputes only deepens communal divides. Just my two paise. 🤷‍♂️
N
Nikhil C
A temple for Goddess Saraswati at Bhojshala - the goddess of knowledge! This is poetic justice for a historic site of learning. Glad to see heritage being revived. 📚✨
K
Kavya N
I'm from Madhya Pradesh and Bhojshala has always been a point of tension. While I respect the court's decision, I hope both communities can coexist peacefully. The past is painful, but the future should be about harmony. 🕊️
R
Rohit P
The court recognised Raja Bhoj's legacy. This is what

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