Do you remember the Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. ISH News had released a video of the entire issue. You can watch the video here Shivling Found Inside the Gyanvapi Masjid

In July 2023, the Varanasi District court ordered an extensive survey of the mosque by Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to ascertain if the mosque was built over a pre-existing temple or not. The court announced that a scientific probe was necessary for the truth to come out. It also ordered ASI to exclude the sealed section of the mosque and restrained them from carrying out any excavation or using any invasive method that may damage the existing structure. Therefore, ASI used advanced technologies and instruments to carry out the scientific survey. ASI used these technologies - electromagnetic energy signals of ground penetrating radar (GPR) to gather data about what’s below the mosque, differential global positioning systems (DGPS) to enhance the precision of the location and dating methods to calculate the age of the objects and foundation. After requesting 3 extensions, ASI submitted its report on 18th December 2023 and the main findings of the report were made public on 25th January 2024 by the Hindu side lead lawyer Mr. Vishnu Shankar Jain. The ASI report read “Based on scientific studies/ surveys carried out, exposed features and artifacts, inscriptions, art and sculptures, it can be said that a ‘large Hindu temple’ existed before at the site of Gyanvapi Masjid and that the parts of the temple were used in the construction of the masjid.” The report pointed out several findings that point to this conclusion. According to the report, the survey found the following things:

• Western wall decorated with Hindu preferred stones & molding designs.

• “karma-ratha” and “prati-ratha” depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the central chamber. 

• A large decorated entrance gate with ornamental skirting was found on one wall of the western chamber, 

• Birds & animals like lions, elephants & horses carving for decoration both inside and outside. 

• Many Sanskrit and Dravidian inscriptions dated from the 12th -17th century and names of Hindu deities and terms like Mah?-muktimendapa. 

• Hindu symbols including the Swastika and the trident.

• Sculptures of Hindu deities and carved architectural designs. 

The report also revealed that parts of the pre-existing temple including pillars and pilasters were only reused with little modifications for enlargement of the mosque and construction of the sahan (courtyard). All the findings of the survey point that a large Hindu temple existed prior to the construction of the existing structure and that the parts of the pre-existing temple were used in the present structure. Therefore, the ASI report concluded “Art and architecture of any building not only indicate its date but also its nature...Based on art and architecture, this pre-existing structure can be identified as a Hindu temple.” Despite its strong & experienced scientific survey, the ASI report, it can be challenged and scrutinized during the court trial. 

The Muslim petitioners in the case said the report is not the final one. They said the team would study the document before deciding on their next move. SM Yasin, Joint Secretary of Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee (AIMC) which manages the mosque, said they will go through the ASI survey report, analyze it, consult experts and then decide on its next move. “It is our first and foremost responsibility to keep the mosque safe… ASI has given the report as per its reputation. This is a report and not a decision,” Yasin, denying the facts in the report, said: “The Gyanvapi mosque was built 600 years ago by a zamindar (landlord) of Jaunpur. It was renovated by Mughal emperor Akbar during his rule. Then the expansion and renovation of the Gyanvapi mosque was done by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.” He added: “Muslims have been offering namaz for about 600 years… and will continue to do so in future too.” Meanwhile the Hindu side lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, said they will approach the Supreme Court for a fresh survey of the sealed area of the mosque which contains a disputed structure. The report has made an already sensitive dispute even more delicate and awaits a final word from the court.

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• gyanvapi mosque case
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