LI Network
Published on: 26 January , 2024 at 09:45 IST
In a groundbreaking revelation, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has released a survey report regarding the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, suggesting the presence of a significant Hindu temple before the construction of the existing structure.
According to the report, parts of the pre-existing temple, including pillars, were utilized in the construction of the current Gyanvapi Mosque.
The ASI conducted a thorough scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi following the Varanasi District Judge’s directive on July 21, 2023. The objective was to ascertain whether the mosque was built atop a pre-existing Hindu temple structure.
On August 4, 2023, the Supreme Court declined to halt the ASI’s survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque, with the exception of the ‘wuzukhana’ area, where a ‘shivling’ was reportedly discovered the previous year.
The Court allowed the survey to proceed after receiving assurances from the ASI that no excavation would occur on the site and no damage would be inflicted on the structure.
This decision came in response to a petition filed by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, which manages the Gyanvapi Mosque, contesting the Allahabad High Court’s ruling on August 3, 2023, permitting the ASI survey.
The Varanasi District Judge’s order on July 21, 2023, mandated the ASI Director to conduct a “scientific survey” of the Gyanvapi mosque premises, excluding the previously sealed ‘wuzukhana’ area, to determine if the mosque was constructed on top of a pre-existing Hindu temple structure.
This directive was subsequently upheld by the Allahabad High Court on August 3, 2023.