Temple or Mosque? ASI finds 37 idols in Bhojshala, submits 2,000-page report

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday submitted its scientific investigation report, spanning over 2000 pages, on Bhojshala, located in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district, to the state High Court. The survey, which lasted for 98 days, unearthed more than 1700 remains and other evidence. 

A total of 37 idols of Hindu gods and goddesses were discovered during the survey. The High Court will hear the case on 22 July. Bhojshala, an 11th-century monument protected by the ASI, underwent a 'multi-disciplinary scientific survey' ordered by the High Court on 11 March. 

Approximately 1,700 relics were found, including a damaged idol of Vagdevi, an avatar of Goddess Saraswati. Hindus believe the site is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi while the Muslim community refers to it as Kamal Maula Mosque.

Citing the evidence, the Hindu side told the court that Bhojshala was originally a temple. Findings include idols of Lord Krishna, Jatadhari Bholenath, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, Lord Bhairavnath, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Parvati. Archaeologist KK Muhammed has stated that the complex was initially a Saraswati temple before being converted into an Islamic place of worship. 

An ASI order from April 7, 2003, permits Hindus to worship inside the Bhojshala complex every Tuesday, while Muslims are allowed to offer namaz there on Fridays.