Bhopal: In a fresh twist to the raging dispute over the Bhojshala- Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, a petitioner in the MP high court has claimed that the idol, perceived as of Hindu Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), in fact, represented Jain deity Ambika
Delhi-based social activist Salekh Chand Jain, in his petition, said the idol claimed by the Hindu parties as of Vagdevi, was in fact associated with Jain traditions and represented Ambika, a Jain Yakshini.
Referring to images and museum descriptions placed on record, the petition contended that the iconography, including miniature Tirthankara figures carved on the statue, distinguished it from Hindu depiction of Saraswati.
The petition argued that the architectural features of the disputed Bhojshala- Kamal Maula Mosque site have similarities with the Dilwara Jain Temples located in Mount Abu.
According to the petitioner, Jain iconography could be distinguished by the presence of Tirthankara symbols, and cross-legged meditative depictions typically absent in Hindu deity sculptures.
The petition sought limited rights for the Jain community at the site.
A division bench of Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi is hearing the case concerning the dispute over Bhojshala- Kamal Maula Mosque site, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
While Hindus regard it as Bhojshala temple in which Hindu deity Vagdevi is being worshipped, Muslims claim it to be a mosque.
The ASI has made an arrangement for both the communities, allowing Hindus to worship at Vagdevi shrine on every Tuesday, while permitting Muslims to offer namaz on every Friday.
Petitioner Jain challenged the ASI’s decision to allow only two communities, Hindus and Muslims, to have access to the disputed complex for religious purposes, while completely ignoring Jain claims associated with the disputed site.
The petition held that Raja Bhoj, after whom Bhojshala is named, was not only patron of Hindu learning but also supported Jain scholars and traditions.
According to the petition, the site historically functioned as a Centre of learning where Jain scholars were also present.
Amid the dispute over claims by Hindus and Muslims over the site, the Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh high court had earlier ordered the ASI to make a scientific survey of the complex to find out if a mosque was built by demolishing a temple at the site.
The ASI had submitted its report to the court a few months ago.
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