Gyanvapi case Hindu temple existed before ASI survey found parts of temple in Gyanvapi Mosque

ASI Survey Reveals Evidence of Hindu Temple Beneath Gyanvapi Mosque, Claims Lawyer

Varanasi: In a significant development in the Gyanvapi Masjid case, Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, asserted that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey report has uncovered evidence of a substantial Hindu temple predating the construction of the mosque.

Jain stated, “The ASI has systematically and scientifically studied the pillars and plasters used in the existing structure for the mosque’s enlargement and Sahan construction. Parts of preexisting temples, including pillars and plasters, were reused with minor modifications. A detailed examination of pillars and plasters in corridors indicates their origin in a preexisting Hindu temple, suggesting reuse in the current structure. Vyala figures carved on either side of the lotus medallion were mutilated, and after removing the stone mass from the corners, the space was adorned with floral design.”

According to Jain, the present western wall of the mosque is identified as part of the pre-existing Hindu temple, based on the ASI findings.

“The ASI has confirmed the existence of a large Hindu temple before the construction of the present structure. This is the conclusive finding of the ASI,” he added.

Jain further claimed that sculptures of Hindu deities and carved architectural elements were discovered buried under the soil during the survey.

“Architectural remains, decorated moldings on the walls, a large decorated entrance gate, a small entrance with a mutilated image, and birds and animals carved for decoration inside and outside all suggest that the western wall is the remaining part of a Hindu temple. The Arabic Persian inscription found inside a room mentions that the mosque was built in the 20th regnal year of Aurangzeb. Hence, the preexisting structure seems to have been destroyed in the 17th century,” Jain elaborated.

The lawyer highlighted that the survey uncovered 32 inscriptions in Devanagari, Grantha, Telugu, and Kannada scripts.

“The ASI noted numerous inscriptions on the existing and preexisting structure during the survey. A total of 34 inscriptions were recorded, and 32 stamped pages were taken. These inscriptions, in Devanagari, Grantha, Telugu, and Kannada scripts, were found on stones from the preexisting Hindu temple, indicating their reuse in the construction and repair of the existing structure. The names of deities such as Janardana, Rudra, and Umeshwara are mentioned in these inscriptions,” he explained.

The ASI conducted the survey following a district court order in July last year to determine whether the mosque was built over a pre-existing Hindu temple structure. District Judge A K Vishvesh recently ruled that the ASI survey report would be provided to both the Hindu and Muslim sides involved in the case