Religious Ceremony to Happen within a Week
In a significant development, the Varanasi Court has granted permission to the Hindu community to conduct prayers within the premises of the Gyanvapi mosque. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the historic site. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, announced that the initiation of puja ceremonies inside the mosque is scheduled to commence within the coming seven days.
Credits: Mint
Everyone can Worship at the Gyanvapi Mosque
Jain underscored that the opportunity for worship would be extended to all, with the district administration entrusted to facilitate the necessary arrangements within the stipulated time frame.
Furthermore, the Hindu party has lodged an application with the Supreme Court seeking the unsealing of the ‘wazukhana’ area within the Gyanvapi complex. The objective behind this plea is to enable the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a thorough examination without jeopardizing the integrity of the ‘Shivling,’ in response to the ASI’s findings during its survey of the mosque.
Credits: Economic Times
Archeological Survey of India to Investigate
Jain emphasized the importance of allowing the ASI to investigate whether the ‘Wazukhana’ area harbors a fountain or a Shivling. Today, the Varanasi District Judge instructed the District Administration to make suitable arrangements within seven days to facilitate Hindu worship rituals within one of the sealed cellars/basements/tahkhanas (known as ‘vyas ji ka tehkhana’) situated within the Gyanvapi mosque complex. Religious activities at this particular location were halted in 1993.
The issue pertains to the ‘Somnath Vyas’ tehkhana located within the Gyanvapi Mosque premises. Historically, until 1993, the Vyas family conducted religious ceremonies in the basement. However, following a directive from the state government, these religious practices were discontinued. It is noteworthy that the Varanasi District administration assumed possession of the southern cellar within the Gyanvapi mosque complex on January 24. Earlier, on January 17, the District Judge appointed the District Magistrate as a receiver in the matter.
The court’s decision to permit Hindu prayers within the Gyanvapi mosque represents a significant development in the protracted legal battle over the site’s ownership and religious significance. The granting of access for worship underscores the complexities inherent in resolving disputes over places of worship with historical and cultural significance.
Advocate Jain’s assertion regarding the inclusivity of worship rights for all parties involved reflects a commitment to upholding religious freedoms while navigating the intricacies of legal proceedings.
The Hindu community’s application to the Supreme Court seeking the de-sealing of the ‘wazukhana’ area underscores the importance of conducting a comprehensive archaeological survey to ascertain the historical truths surrounding the site. By allowing the ASI to conduct an unbiased investigation, stakeholders aim to shed light on the contested narratives and reconcile differing perspectives on the Gyanvapi mosque’s heritage.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it is essential to balance the preservation of religious sentiments with the pursuit of historical truth and legal justice. The court’s directive to the District Administration signals a proactive approach towards addressing the complexities of the case while upholding the principles of fairness and inclusivity.
In the days ahead, stakeholders anticipate further developments as the legal proceedings continue to unfold, shaping the future trajectory of the Gyanvapi mosque dispute. The Question of Communal Harmony to build and maintain in the same area is the challenge for Hindu and Muslim Community. Can this be solved or will it bring other issues to the land?
