Devotees gathered at the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar on Saturday morning and performed prayers and Hanuman Chalisa recitation following a significant ruling by the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore bench. The development came after the court recognised the site as a Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati) temple dating back to the era of Raja Bhoj and granted worship rights to the Hindu side.

Peaceful Atmosphere Maintained

According to officials, prayers and religious activities were conducted peacefully under tight security arrangements. Members of different committees and local devotees reached the premises early in the morning and offered flowers and prayers at the site. Authorities maintained close monitoring in and around the Bhojshala complex to ensure law and order remained under control.

Court Recognises Historical Link

The High Court observed that the structure was linked to the Bhoj-Parmar period based on historical records and evidence presented during proceedings. The ruling has become a major development in the long-running Bhojshala High Court verdict dispute, which has remained sensitive for years due to competing claims over religious rights at the site.

ASI Order Partially Set Aside

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, stated that the court partially quashed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) order issued on April 7, 2003. That order had allowed members of the Muslim community to offer namaz at the complex during a fixed period on Fridays.

ASI Retains Administrative Control

Legal representatives clarified that the Bhojshala premises will continue to remain a protected monument under the ASI as per existing laws. ASI counsel Aviral Vikas Khare stated that administration, regulation, and monitoring of the monument would continue to remain under the authority of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Devotees Offer Prayers

During the morning rituals, devotees offered prayers at the Vagdevi sanctum area and near the yajna kund. Several committee office-bearers and supporters participated in the religious activities. Those present included members associated with Bhoj Utsav Samiti and Bhojshala Mukti Yagya campaigns.

Hanuman Chalisa Recited

Groups of devotees also recited Hanuman Chalisa inside the premises after the court ruling. Religious chants echoed across the complex as supporters welcomed the decision. Visuals from the site showed devotees participating peacefully in worship activities amid heavy security deployment.

Devotees React to Verdict

Many visitors expressed happiness over what they described as unrestricted access to worship after several years. A representative associated with the Bhojshala Mukti movement stated that every part of the structure reflected characteristics of a temple and welcomed the High Court decision.

Muslim Side May Move Supreme Court

Following the ruling, discussions have intensified regarding possible legal action by the Muslim side in the Supreme Court. In anticipation of further legal proceedings, the Hindu side has reportedly filed two caveat petitions in the apex court related to the Bhojshala High Court verdict matter.

Demand for Idol’s Return Mentioned

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain also stated that the court considered issues related to the original idol of Goddess Vagdevi, which is reportedly kept in a museum in London. The matter regarding return of the idol has remained part of broader discussions connected to the Bhojshala dispute.

Security Remains Tight

Police and administrative officials maintained strict surveillance throughout the day across Dhar city and the Bhojshala complex considering the sensitivity of the issue. Barricading and additional deployment of security personnel were arranged to prevent any untoward incident during the religious activities.

Historical and Legal Significance

The Bhojshala High Court verdict is being viewed as an important legal development in one of Madhya Pradesh’s long-standing religious and historical disputes. The ruling is expected to influence future proceedings related to worship rights, monument management, and interpretation of historical evidence connected to protected religious heritage sites in India.

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MP High Court Recognises Bhojshala as Vagdevi Temple, Quashes 2003 Restrictions on Hindu Worship

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday delivered a landmark verdict recognising the centuries-old Bhojshala complex in Dhar as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, commonly referred to as Vagdevi. The ruling effectively sets aside two decades of administrative arrangements that had allowed dual worship at the disputed site.

A division bench hearing five consolidated petitions concluded that archaeological evidence, historical records, and the Archaeological Survey of India's survey report collectively establish the religious character of the structure as a Hindu temple. The Court explicitly rejected the ASI's 2003 order that had denied Hindus the right to worship at the site.

Court Relies on ASI Survey, Ayodhya Precedent

The bench observed that evidence of a Sanskrit learning centre and a Saraswati temple had been found within the Bhojshala complex. Citing the Supreme Court's Ayodhya judgment, the High Court noted that every government bears responsibility for protecting ancient monuments of archaeological significance, including sanctums and idols associated with religious faith.

According to legal news portal Bar and Bench, the Court directed the Central government and the ASI to determine management protocols for the temple complex while maintaining its protected status under the 1958 Act.

Muslim Side Asked to Seek Separate Land

The verdict also quashed an earlier order that had granted Muslims the right to offer namaz at the complex. Dhar Shahar Qazi Waqar Sadiq told reporters that the Muslim side respects the judgment but will challenge it before the Supreme Court.

"We will review the detailed judgment and then approach the Supreme Court," Sadiq said. Senior advocates Salman Khurshid and Shobha Menon had represented the Muslim community during the hearings.

The Court has advised the Muslim side to request the government for alternative land to construct a mosque.

Heavy Security in Place Across Dhar

Administration officials moved quickly to prevent any law and order situation following the verdict. Dhar Collector Rajiv Ranjan Meena and Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma inspected security arrangements inside the Bhojshala complex late Friday afternoon.

Around 1,200 police personnel from across the district have been deployed in Dhar city. Security has been organised in 12 layers, officials said. The Rapid Action Force and reserve police contingents remain on alert. Police also conducted flag marches through sensitive areas.

The Bhojshala complex remains sealed with barricades at the main gate, with a heavy police presence outside.

Background of the Long-Running Dispute

Since 2003, Hindus had been permitted to worship at the site every Tuesday and on Vasant Panchami, while Muslims were allowed to offer namaz on Fridays. The complex remained open to tourists on other days.

Tensions had flared in 2013 and 2016 when Vasant Panchami celebrations coincided with Friday prayers. The petitions before the High Court were originally filed in 2022 by Ranjana Agnihotri and others from Hindu Front for Justice, seeking determination of the site's religious character and full worship rights for the Hindu community.

The ASI conducted a 98-day scientific survey of the complex in 2024. In January 2026, the Supreme Court had permitted day-long worship on Vasant Panchami.

What Happens Next

The Hindu side has welcomed the verdict as historic. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain said the Court has also directed the government to consider the Hindu community's request for repatriation of a Goddess Vagdevi idol currently housed in the British Museum.

The Muslim side is expected to file a Supreme Court appeal in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the administration has indicated it will maintain the current security posture until tensions ease.