Exhibition at Kumbh Mela Features Gyanvapi Mosque Model as a Temple, Drawing Controversy
An exhibition at the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad has sparked debate, displaying a model of the Gyanvapi mosque reimagined as a temple. The exhibit is being seen by many as an attempt to further a Hindutva agenda during Hinduism’s largest congregation.
The Gyanvapi mosque, located adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, is one of several Islamic structures embroiled in court cases alleging they were built over demolished Hindu temples. Petitioners have demanded these sites be handed over to Hindus, with the mosques relocated elsewhere.
On Saturday, Swami Narendranand Saraswati, the mahant of Sumeru Mutt in Varanasi, inaugurated the exhibition. The display includes a model of the Gyanvapi mosque, redesigned with its upper section resembling a temple, alongside 120 photographs purportedly showing Hindu motifs and figurines within the mosque.
Some sources suggest these photos were taken during a 2023 court-ordered survey of the mosque. However, the Varanasi court had classified the survey findings as confidential, submitting them in a sealed envelope. If the displayed images are indeed from the survey, their public exhibition could constitute contempt of court.
The exhibition’s organizers, however, have claimed the photographs were captured by independent photography enthusiasts and are not tied to the court proceedings.
“We aim to reclaim the Gyanvapi through constitutional means. All Sanatani Hindus must unite to support this mission,” Swami Narendranand Saraswati said during the event.
The exhibition is hosted by the Sri Adimahadev Kashi Dharmalay Mukti Nyas, a Varanasi-based organization committed to “liberating” temples it claims are controlled by non-Hindus.
Ram Prasad Singh, a trustee of the Nyas, explained that the group has initiated a Mahayagnya (a grand ritual) at their Kumbh Mela camp to raise awareness about their cause. “We have displayed banners and posters across the Mela grounds to spread the message. This issue is not just ours—it is a mission for the entire Hindu community,” Singh stated.
The Gyanvapi dispute is currently being heard in both the Varanasi lower court and the Allahabad High Court. Hindu petitioners claim that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb demolished a section of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and constructed the mosque in its place.
In 2023, the Varanasi court granted Hindus access to the mosque’s basement to worship idols allegedly locked there for decades. Meanwhile, Muslims continue to pray on the mosque’s ground floor daily and gather for Friday prayers.
The mosque committee has challenged the Hindu petitioners’ claims, citing the 1991 Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, which prohibits altering the religious character of any structure except for the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case.
The Supreme Court is presently deliberating on the constitutionality of this act, adding further significance to the ongoing legal battle.