Bhojshala was the temple of Shri Saraswati Devi

Information of renowned archaeologist KK Muhammed

Dhar (Madhya Pradesh) – Renowned archaeologist KK Muhammed has asserted that the contentious Bhojshala / Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district was originally the Shri Saraswati Temple that was later converted into an Islamic place of worship.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is conducting a scientific survey of the Bhojshala complex following the directions of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The department wants to complete this survey within 6 weeks. He emphasised the importance of Hindus and Muslims respecting the court’s decision and honouring the Places of Worship Act, 1991, while also urging them to come together to resolve differences over such sites. Hindus believe that Bhojshala is a temple of Shri Vagdevi (Sri Saraswati Devi), while Muslims call it Kamal Maula Mosque.

STORY | Bhojshala was Saraswati temple but both sides should abide by HC decision: Archaeologist KK Muhammed

READ: https://t.co/d5ifwETpoL

VIDEO | “In the case of Dhar (Bhojshala), the historical fact is that it was a temple earlier and was later converted into a mosque. I… pic.twitter.com/U49VxvOUzQ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 24, 2024

KK Muhammed further said that the historical status of Bhojshala is that it was a temple of Shri Saraswati Devi before being converted into a mosque. Under the ‘Places of Worship Act 1991’, the base year for the status of a religious place is 1947. So if that building is a temple in 1947, it will remain a temple and if it is a mosque, it will remain a mosque.

KK Muhammed, a former ASI official who was part of the first excavation team at Ayodhya in 1976-77 with Professor BB Lal. KK Muhammed emphasised the need for both sides to adhere to the law and respect the court’s decision, as it would be the only viable solution. He claimed that for the first time he had seen the ruins of the Shriram temple even under the Babri ramparts.

Muslims should respect the religious feelings of Hindus about Mathura and Kashi – KK Muhammed

In response to a question, KK Muhammed said that Muslims should respect the religious sentiments of Hindus regarding Mathura and Kashi. Mathura and Kashi are as important to Hindus as Mecca and Medina are to Muslims. Kashi is associated with Deity Shiva and Mathura is the birthplace of Shrikrushna. Hindus cannot migrate them to other places; but for Muslims these are mosques only, which have no direct connection with Prophet Mohammad or ‘Aulia’. Those mosques can be shifted elsewhere. Both communities should sit together and resolve these issues.