ASI declares ancient Sun Temple in Vidisha (MP) as a mosque, triggering a row

District Collector denies permission to perform puja on the day of ‘Nag Panchami’  after ASI’s claim

Sun Temple in Vidisha

Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh) – The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has sent a letter to the District Collector that the ancient Vijay Surya Mandir is not a Hindu temple but a mosque. This has triggered a row. Presently, the temple is under the ASI.

1. Hindu devotees have been performing rituals on the day of ‘Nag Panchami’ in the temple premises for many years. On 9^thAugust 2024, a few pro-Hindu organisations sought permission for entering the temple premises for performing religious rituals. People’s demand was sent to Buddhesh Kumar Vaidya, District Collector who forwarded it to ASI. Citing a 1951 notification, ASI informed that the site has been classified as ‘Bijmandal Mosque’. District Collector Vaidya on receiving this reply, denied permission for puja creating outrage among Hindus. Collector told the local media that everything would be done as per the instructions of ASI.

2. Pro-Hindu organisations are opposing ASI’s claim. Their contention is that the Surya Mandir is a place of worship of Hindus since ancient times. MLA Tandon has demanded a survey of the site to decide the ownership of the temple. He is going to raise this issue in the State Legislative Assembly and is also trying to visit Delhi and meet PM Modi and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the matter. In April 1992, a similar situation had arisen. Discussions were successfully held between ASI and the then District Collector, leading to grant of permission for a group of eleven persons to perform puja in the temple.

Editorial Perspectives

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is under the Union Government, still Hindus have to treat their ancient temples as mosques. This is not expected.

• There are hundreds of temples in the country which were demolished for building mosques on them and are currently under ASI. Such temples should be returned to Hindus for rebuilding new temples, by passing a law by the Union Government.

• The ASI, which is working against Hindus, belongs to India or Pakistan ? This department needs to be dissolved and nationalists and devout Hindus need to be appointed for the job.