Emotional Celebrations at Bhojshala After High Court Ruling
Devotional Atmosphere Following Court's Declaration
The atmosphere at the historic Bhojshala complex in Dhar turned deeply emotional on Saturday, just a day after the Madhya Pradesh High Court declared it as 'Saraswati Mandir.' A large gathering of Hindu devotees came together to celebrate the long-awaited decision, engaging in special prayers, rituals, and devotional songs without any restrictions. Despite stringent security measures in place, the enthusiasm and joy among the devotees were palpable. The complex resonated with prayers and hymns as attendees celebrated the ruling, with members of the Bhoj Utsav Committee participating in the event, which included the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa.
Devotees Celebrate the Decision with Joyful Prayers
Following the court's ruling, many devotees expressed their happiness at being able to worship freely at the site. Some mentioned that they had waited for years to witness such a moment. One devotee shared that emotions ran high after the verdict, leading to celebrations filled with dance and joy. They also claimed that daily worship could now be conducted without any restrictions.
Bhoj Utsav Committee Welcomes the Historic Ruling
Members of the Bhoj Utsav Committee hailed the decision as historic and expressed gratitude to those who fought a prolonged legal battle for the site. Rajesh Shukla, a committee member, stated that the ruling allows for the uninterrupted worship of Goddess Saraswati. He also expressed hope that the idol of the goddess would eventually be returned to the temple complex. Additionally, he urged all parties to respect the High Court's decision and maintain peace.
High Court Overturns ASI's 2003 Order
On Friday, the Madhya Pradesh High Court annulled parts of an order issued by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 2003. This order had permitted Muslims to offer Friday prayers at the Bhojshala complex while imposing restrictions on Hindu worship. In its ruling, the court noted that Hindu worship at the site had been ongoing for years and had never completely ceased. The bench referenced historical records linking Bhojshala to the Sanskrit education center established by King Bhoj of the Parmar dynasty.
Future Legal Actions?
In light of the ruling, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, stated that their immediate focus is on resuming worship at the site. He also mentioned that preparations are underway for potential proceedings in the Supreme Court. The High Court acknowledged the longstanding demand for the return of the idol of Goddess Saraswati, currently housed in a museum in London, and indicated that the central government could consider the applications already submitted regarding the idol's return.