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Saraswati Puja Begins at Disputed Bhojshala Site Under Supreme Court Order

Saraswati Puja commenced at the disputed Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, under a Supreme Court order permitting Hindu prayers for the day. The court also allocated a specific two-hour window for the Muslim community to offer namaz at the same site. The Dhar district administration deployed massive security, including over 8,000 police personnel, to prevent any communal disturbance. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, currently in Davos, extended Basant Panchami greetings via social media.

Key Points: Bhojshala Saraswati Puja Held Under SC Order, High Security

  • Puja allowed sunrise to sunset
  • Namaz permitted 1 PM to 3 PM
  • Over 8,000 security personnel deployed
  • Site disputed by Hindus & Muslims
  • ASI's 2003 arrangement for weekly worship
2 min read

Saraswati Puja underway at Bhojshala site amid high security

Saraswati Puja and Muslim namaz proceed at disputed Bhojshala complex in MP under Supreme Court directive and heavy police deployment.

"Heartfelt greetings of Basant Panchami... May the grace of Maa Saraswati fill everyone's life with wisdom - Mohan Yadav"

Dhar, Jan 23

Saraswati Puja began on Friday at the disputed Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, under heavy security.

A large number of Hindu devotees of Baghichi Devi (Goddess Saraswati) were reaching the site since early morning to offer prayers. Heavy security has been deployed to avoid communal violence at the disputed site.

The Muslim community members will also arrive at the site to offer their Namaz between 1 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who was in Davos, shared his greetings of the Basant Panchami through a social media post and wished for the well-being of the people of Madhya Pradesh.

"Heartfelt greetings of Basant Panchami to the people of the state and the entire country. May the grace of Maa Saraswati, the presiding deity of letters, music, and knowledge, fill everyone's life with wisdom, creativity, happiness, and prosperity. This is my heartfelt prayer," CM Yadav wrote on X.

The Supreme Court, while hearing the matter on Thursday, allowed Hindu prayers from sunrise to sunset on Basant Panchami (on Friday) and permitted Muslims to offer namaz from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the disputed site.

Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque Complex is a disputed site as both Hindus and Muslims claim their religious faith is associated with the site.

The dispute is that Hindus consider Bhojshala, an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected 11th-century monument, to be a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community call it Kamal Maula Mosque.

Complying with the direction of the SC, Dhar district administration has strengthened security, deploying over 8,000 police personnel and Rapid Action Forces (RAF) in the vicinity of the disputed site.

Dhar Collector Priyank Mishra on Thursday stated that the district administration and police have prepared for the occasion, and the primary objective will be to maintain law and order.

He had also issued a stern warning that any content inciting religious hatred, whether through newspapers, electronic media, social media platforms like WhatsApp or Facebook, will invite strict action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita and the IT Act.

Under an arrangement made by the ASI on April 7, 2003, Hindus perform puja on the Bhojshala premises on Tuesdays, and Muslims offer 'namaz' in the complex on Fridays.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the peaceful conduct, deploying 8000 police personnel for a religious event is a massive drain on public resources. Couldn't this money be better spent on schools or hospitals? The tension itself is the problem.
R
Rohit P
Good to see the administration taking strict action against hate speech on social media. That's where most trouble starts these days. Peaceful coexistence is the only way forward for our diverse country.
S
Sarah B
The 2003 arrangement of Tuesdays for puja and Fridays for namaz seemed to be working. Why is there a need for special permissions now? Sometimes revisiting settled matters creates more friction.
V
Vikram M
As a history enthusiast, the ASI report will be crucial. Let the evidence speak. But for today, I'm just glad people from both communities can practice their faith without incident. Basant Panchami ki hardik shubhkamnaye!
M
Michael C
The CM wishing from Davos is a nice gesture, but real leadership is being on the ground ensuring peace. Hope the local administration's preparedness pays off. Security of this scale is no joke.

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