MP: Idols of Hindu deities found in Bhojshala, claims Hindu body

Bhopal: Idols of Hindu deities were found during the ‘scientific survey’ of the controversial complex of Bhojshala temple- Kamal Maula mosque in Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh, a Hindu body claimed on Tuesday.

The sizes of the idols found in the 13th century monument, on which both Hindus and Muslims have staked claims as their religious site, range from 1.5 ft to 2.5 ft, the Hindu body said.

“On the 80th day of survey of the complex by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Sunday, more than 79 remains ‘linked’ to Sanatan Dharm were found in the ASI- protected monument”, Bhojshala Mukti Yagna coordinator Gopal Sharma told this newspaper on Tuesday.

Mr Sharma represented Hindu side as witness to the ongoing survey of the complex by ASI, being done on the directive by Madhya Pradesh high court.

According to him, an 80 sq ft-room situated below a staircase in the monument was opened after 27 years by ASI on Sunday for survey. The room was sealed by ASI on May 12, 1997.

The room was opened in the presence of representatives of district administration, police administration as well as of Hindu and Muslim sides, Mr Sharma said.

The room was identified for survey following the screening of the area by Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to explore potential areas conserving the historical remains in the complex, according to Mr Sharma.

Excavation of the floor of the room had yielded idols of Hindu deities such as Ganesh, Bhairavnath, Mahisasurmardhan, Hanuman, and Brahma.

Idols of Brahma, made of black marble, and Mahisasurmardhan were found in damaged condition, according to Mr Sharma.

On the 81st day of the survey in the complex on Monday, images of Sanatan religious signs such as ‘Trishul’ or triad, ‘sankha chakra’ (conch and wheel), lotus and turtle and cow were found in stones recovered in the site, he said.

The survey work was suspended on Tuesday to allow Hindus to worship in the Vagdevi (goddess Saraswati) temple situated on one side of the complex.

On the other side of the complex, there is a mosque where Muslims are allowed by ASI to offer namaz every Friday.

The ASI has carried out the scientific survey of Bhojshala temple- Kamal Maula mosque complex following a directive by Madhya Pradesh high court which has sought to ascertain scientifically if a mosque was built by destroying a temple in the complex.