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Madhya Pradesh High Court declares Bhojshala complex temple, overturning ASI order and reshaping worship rules
Politics
Published on 15 May 2026
Court says worship continuity was never extinguished
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled that the Bhojshala complex in Dhar is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), settling a long-running dispute with the Kamal Maula mosque. The court set aside a 2003 ASI order that had allowed Muslims to offer prayers at the site, while keeping overall administration and upkeep with the Archaeological Survey of India. It cited historical and literary evidence linking the complex to Raja Bhoj and directed the government to consider repatriating the idol from the British Museum.
- Bhojshala complex in Dhar recognized as a temple for Goddess Vagdevi
- 2003 ASI order permitting Muslim prayers was set aside
- Court cited historical records linking site to Raja Bhoj and Sanskrit learning
- Hindu rituals continue; Muslim worship hours were effectively disrupted
- Court suggested repatriation of the Goddess Vagdevi idol from London
- Security tightened in Dhar; authorities warned against rumours amid tensions
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times