Madhya Pradesh HC recognises Bhojshala as Vagdevi temple; devotees hold prayers

High Court partly quashes 2003 ASI order, Hindu groups regain right to worship at Bhojshala; Hanuman Chalisa recited after verdict

The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Saturday recognised the disputed Bhojshala–Kamal Maula complex in Dhar as the temple of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati) dating to the Bhoj-Parmar era, and granted the Hindu side the right to worship at the site, leading to early-morning prayers and celebrations by devotees.

Verdict and immediate response
According to court records made public on Saturday, the bench based its ruling on historical material indicating the site’s origin in the period of King Bhoj of the Bhoj-Parmar dynasty. The court also partially quashed an April 7, 2003, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) order that had permitted the Muslim community to offer namaz at the site for a fixed period on Fridays, lawyers involved in the case said.

Following the verdict, office-bearers and members of local Bhojshala committees reached the complex in Dhar on Saturday morning under tight security. “All office bearers reached near the Yagya Kund, had darshan and recited the Hanuman Chalisa,” an organiser said. Committee convener Gopal Sharma and other officials offered flowers and performed rituals at the sanctum sanctorum of Maa Vagdevi. Officials also distributed sweets to mark the development.

Legal and administrative notes
ASI lawyer Aviral Vikas Khare told reporters the monument’s protected status remains intact. The ASI has maintained Bhojshala as a protected monument since 1904, and the court reiterated that complete administration, regulation and supervision of the structure will continue to rest solely with the ASI, the lawyer said.

Hindu counsel Vishnu Shankar Jain, who represented petitioners seeking worship rights, welcomed the judgment. He said the court had partially stayed the 2003 ASI direction and recognised the site as a temple, thereby restoring worship rights. Jain added that the court considered a demand to return an original idol of Vagdevi currently held in a museum in London, though he did not detail the bench’s direction on that specific point.

Ground-level scene
Local residents and pilgrims described a calm, orderly atmosphere at the heritage complex in the late morning. Devotees said they finally had an opportunity to perform rituals without restrictions. “Every particle of Bhojshala indicates that it is a temple,” Gopal Sharma told reporters after performing darshan near the Yagya Kund.

Security and civic monitoring
Dhar city authorities mounted tight security around the Bhojshala complex on Saturday, with local police and district officials monitoring the situation, officials said. Sources familiar with administration plans said additional deployments remained in place to pre-empt any untoward incidents and to ensure peaceful observance by both communities.

Potential Supreme Court action
While celebrations took place among Hindu groups, legal counsels on both sides signalled the possibility of further litigation. The Hindu side has filed two caveat petitions in the Supreme Court, anticipating challenges by the Muslim side, Vishnu Shankar Jain said. There was no immediate confirmation from lawyers representing the Muslim side about whether they would seek a review or approach the apex court.

Historical context
Bhojshala, located in Dhar district, is a complex of medieval structures long associated with King Bhoj (11th–12th century) and has been at the centre of competing claims over religious use. The site has attracted attention from historians and archaeologists for inscriptions and carvings linked to Sanskrit learning and temple architecture, while also being used for religious activities by multiple communities over decades.

Public reaction and outlook
Local civic leaders urged calm and respect for the ASI’s administrative role. “The court has set the legal position today; administration will continue under ASI,” an assistant district magistrate said. Officials said they would hold meetings in coming days with community representatives to ensure worship and access proceed without friction.

For now, the most visible change is at the ground level: devotees offering prayers, rituals conducted peacefully, and the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa in the complex stands as the immediate public expression of the court’s ruling. How the decision evolves through further appeals or administrative directions will determine the long-term status of Bhojshala.

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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