Dhar Bhojshala: Petitioners seek free entry and ASI excavation after Vagdevi temple ruling

Following the Madhya Pradesh High Court order recognising the Dhar Bhojshala complex as a Vagdevi temple, two Hindu-side petitioners asked the Archaeological Survey of India to allow free entry for devotees, open a locked room said to be part of the original structure, and conduct a scientific excavation amid claims idols may be buried below.

Petitioners from the Hindu side have asked authorities to allow devotees free entry to the Bhojshala complex in Dhar. The demand came days after the Madhya Pradesh High Court described the site as a Vagdevi temple. The petitioners also said idols of Hanuman and other deities may be buried under the premises, and sought action from the ASI.

Ashish Goyal, linked with the Hindu Front for Justice, sent an application to the Archaeological Survey of India on Wednesday. Ashish Goyal said devotees should not pay even the current Re 1 entry fee. Ashish Goyal argued that charging any fee broke the May 15 order, which recognised the place as a temple.

Bhojshala complex entry fee and ASI requests

Ashish Goyal also requested that a locked room in the south-eastern part be opened at once. Ashish Goyal claimed the room was part of the original temple structure. Ashish Goyal further sought the removal of what Ashish Goyal called unauthorised Islamic symbols. Ashish Goyal said the May 15 ruling required these steps.

Kuldeep Tiwari filed a separate application with similar demands. Kuldeep Tiwari sent the request to the Union Culture Ministry and the ASI. Kuldeep Tiwari referred to a strong local belief about buried idols. Kuldeep Tiwari said idols of Lord Hanuman and other Hindu deities were under the complex.

Bhojshala complex excavation demand after High Court verdict

Kuldeep Tiwari asked for a scientific excavation at the site. Kuldeep Tiwari said the aim was to recover and reinstall any idols found. Kuldeep Tiwari added that rituals should be followed during reinstallation. The petition did not list a timeline, but sought early steps by the agencies involved.

The May 15 verdict had addressed how the premises was used for worship. The High Court said the religious character of Bhojshala was a Vagdevi temple. It also cancelled the ASI order dated April 7, 2003. That older order allowed namaz on Fridays and limited Hindu worship to Tuesdays.

With inputs from PTI