Puja At Gyanvapi Mosque Complex Sparks Debate, Faces Legal Challenge In Allahabad HC

The opening of the barricades of Vyas Ka Tehkhana (basement) of the Gyanvapi mosque complex was permitted by the Varanasi Court, and early morning daily arti and puja were conducted on Thursday by Hindu devotees.

As per Vishnu Shankar Jain, the lawyer representing the Hindu side, Mangla Arti was performed at 3:30 in the morning, and bhog was offered at 12 pm.

First pooja at Gyanvapi mosque complex

In a post on X, it was mentioned by Jain that timings for Aarti at Vyas cellar include five daily Aartis - Mangla at 3:30 am, Bhog at 12 pm, Apranh at 4 pm, Sanykaal at 7 pm, and Shayan at 10:30 pm.

Further, two Aartis have been conducted so far. The court had instructed the district administration to make the necessary arrangements within the next seven days.

Simultaneously, Jitendra Nath Vyas, a member of the Vyas family permitted to offer prayers inside the mosque adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, expressed his happiness in resuming prayers at the Tehkhana.

He stated, 'We are very happy that we have got the permission to resume puja there.' This development follows the Varanasi court's decision to allow Hindu devotees to offer prayers inside the 'Vyas Ka Tekhana' area in the Gyanvapi mosque complex. The Vyas family member mentioned that he, along with priests, performed puja in the basement in the presence of district officials.

'At the time of the puja, five priests of the Kashi Vishwanath temple trust, members of the Vyas family, Varanasi DM, and Commissioner were present there,' said Vyas, reported ANI. These events occurred as the Muslim side, led by the Anjum Intejamia committee, approached the Allahabad High Court to contest the Varanasi Court's decision.

The Hindu side has submitted a caveat before the High Court, demanding to be heard before the plea is considered. According to Muslim side lawyer Akhlaq Ahmed, 'The order has overlooked the Advocate Commissioner report of 2022, ASI's report, and the decision of 1937, which was in our favour. The Hindu side has not presented any evidence that prayers were held before 1993. There is no such idol in the place.'

The mosque comprises four 'tahkhanas' (cellars) in the basement, with one still in the possession of the Vyas family, who used to reside there. Vyas had filed a petition requesting, as a hereditary pujari, to be allowed to enter the tahkhana and resume pooja.