Madhya Pradesh High Court Declares Bhojshala a Saraswati Temple, Says Government Must Ensure Protection of Heritage Site
The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday ruled that the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.
The court observed that the Central Government and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are empowered to take decisions regarding the administration and management of the site.
The verdict was delivered by the Indore Bench of the High Court, comprising Justice Vijay Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi, while hearing five petitions and one writ appeal connected to the long-standing dispute over the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex.
In its detailed judgment, the court examined archaeological evidence, historical records, ASI notifications, scientific survey findings and relevant legal provisions before arriving at its conclusion.
The bench noted that worship by Hindus at the site, which is historically associated with Parmar king Raja Bhoj, had continued over centuries and was never completely discontinued.
Referring to the principles laid down by the Supreme Court in the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid verdict, the High Court stated that the religious character of the Bhojshala complex, including the Kamal Maula mosque area, stands determined as Bhojshala dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi, another name for Goddess Saraswati.
The court further observed that historical literature and documented references establish that the disputed structure originally functioned as Bhojshala, a centre of learning linked to Raja Bhoj during the Parmar dynasty.
According to the judgment, literary sources, architectural evidence and historical references collectively indicate the existence of a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati at the site in Dhar.
The High Court also underlined the constitutional duty of every government to preserve monuments, temples, sanctums and sites of archaeological, historical and spiritual significance.
The bench stated that it is the responsibility of the State to ensure the protection and conservation of structures and places associated with cultural heritage, religious traditions and historical importance for future generations.
