Dhar, April 7: Praveen Togadia, the national president of the International Hindu Council, visited the controversial Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar on Tuesday. The Hindu community is currently engaged in a satyagraha at the site.
Togadia emphasized the presence of clear evidence of a Hindu temple at the location and questioned how prayers could be conducted there. He stated that the Mughal era is over and current governments are committed to protecting religious rights. Hindus should have complete and uninterrupted rights to worship at their sacred sites.
In the morning, hundreds of devotees gathered for a collective recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa and performed traditional worship at the site, which is currently under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
After the satyagraha, Togadia inspected the entire complex. Speaking to the media, he recalled his involvement in the movement to unlock Bhojshala 23 years ago, which saw over a hundred thousand people gather.
He mentioned that he has returned to seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati (Devi Vagdev). Togadia pointed out Hindu symbols visible within the complex, such as the Shivling, an idol of Lord Kartikeya, conch shells, and engravings of the Kal Sarpa Yoga Chakra on the walls, questioning the practice of offering prayers at this site.
He demanded the restoration of the original idol of Devi Vagdev, full permission for Hindu worship, and the cancellation of permission for prayers at the disputed structure. Citing an ongoing scientific survey ordered by the court, Togadia expressed confidence that inscriptions, artifacts, and findings would reveal the true nature of Bhojshala.
He noted that the ASI report indicated the existence of temple structures, and Hindus have waited long enough. Togadia also urged strengthening the organization through collective recitations of the Hanuman Chalisa every Tuesday and Saturday.
He announced a goal to hold such recitations at one hundred thousand locations across the country in the coming year to connect with ten crore Hindu families. He appealed to families to educate their daughters about right and wrong from a young age and to maintain social unity and vigilance for their safety.
The Bhojshala dispute has been a long-standing issue, highlighted by the ASI’s scientific survey report, which revealed the use of temple remnants in the construction of the Kamal Maula Mosque. This case is currently under judicial review in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, where hearings are ongoing.
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