VHP Urges Muslim Side to Hand Over Gyanvapi Structure to Hindus Following ASI Report
New Delhi, January 27, 2024
In the wake of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report revealing the existence of a large Hindu temple before the construction of the Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for the structure to be declared a Hindu temple. The VHP, representing the Hindu side in the Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath case, urged the Muslim side on Saturday to hand over the site.
Vishnu Shankar Jain, spokesperson for the Hindu side, emphasized the findings of the ASI survey, suggesting that the mosque was built on the remains of a pre-existing temple. Jain highlighted that the mosque, constructed in the 17th century after the demolition of a grand Hindu temple by Aurangzeb, revealed debris of Hindu god statues in two basements during the survey.
However, the Muslim petitioners in the long-standing case argue that the ASI survey report is not a final verdict.(VHP Urges Muslim Side to Hand Over Gyanvapi)
The VHP, responding to the ASI report, demanded permission for Hindus to offer “sewa puja” to the ‘Shivlinga’ found in the disputed “Wazukhana area” at the site. Alok Kumar, VHP working president, stated, “The evidence collected and the conclusions provided by the ASI do prove that the religious character of this place of worship existed on the 15th day of August, 1947, and as at present is of a Hindu Temple.”
Citing Section 4 of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, Kumar asserted that the structure should be declared a Hindu temple. The VHP appealed to the Intezamia Committee, the caretaker of the mosque, to “respectfully shift” the Gyanvapi mosque to another suitable location and hand over the original site of “Kashi Vishvanatha to the Hindu society.”
“The VHP believes that this righteous action shall be an important step towards creating amicable relations between the two prominent communities of Bharat,” Kumar added. He concluded by urging the handover of the Gyanvapi structure to Hindus.
The Gyanvapi dispute, ongoing for decades, saw a petition in August 2021 by five women demanding unhindered worship at the Maa Shringar Gauri Sthal within the complex. A controversial survey in April 2022 and an extensive ASI survey last year further intensified the legal and communal dimensions of the dispute. The ASI report, based on scientific studies and architectural evidence, supports the existence of a Hindu temple predating the Gyanvapi Masjid, linking it to the reign of Aurangzeb.
As tensions rise, the call by the VHP adds a new chapter to the complex and sensitive issue, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and dialogue between the involved parties. The situation remains dynamic as legal and community leaders assess the implications of the ASI findings on the historic site.