IT Correspondent
Guwahati, Jan 28:
As the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has clearly indicated that there was a Hindu temple at the Gyanvapi complex, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) urges opponents to hand over the structure to Hindus. Alok Kumar, the VHP’s international working president and a senior advocate, argues that the ASI, an expert body under the Union Ministry of Culture for archaeological research and the protection of Bharat’s cultural heritage, has already submitted its report to the district judge hearing the Gyanvapi matter in Kashi. The report confirms that the evidence collected from the structure reaffirms that the mosque was built after demolishing a magnificent temple.
“A part of the temple structure, particularly the western wall, is the remaining part of the Hindu temple. The report also proves that parts of the pre-existing temple, including pillars and pilasters, were reused with modifications to extend the span of the mosque and in the construction of the sahan,” said Kumar in a statement issued on January 27 in New Delhi. He added that the ASI’s prime concern is the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites of national importance. The ASI also regulates all archaeological activities in the country according to the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958 and the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act of 1972.
The entire country is divided into 37 Circles for the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites of national importance. The organization has a large workforce of trained archaeologists, conservators, epigraphists, architects, and scientists who conduct archaeological research projects through its circles, museums, excavation branches, prehistory branch, epigraphy branches, science branch, horticulture branch, building survey project, temple survey projects, and underwater archaeology wing.
The presence of a Shivlinga in what was called the wazukhana area leaves no doubt that the structure does not have the character of a mosque. The finding of names like Janardana, Rudra, and Umeswara in inscriptions found in the structure is evidence that this was a temple, asserted Kumar. He also reminded that the evidence collected and conclusions provided by the ASI prove that the religious character of this place of worship existed on August 15, 1947, and currently is that of a Hindu temple. Thus, according to section 4 of the Places of Worship Act of 1991, the structure should be declared a Hindu temple.
Now, the VHP proposes that Hindus should be permitted to offer Sewa Puja to the Shivlinga found in the so-called wazukhana area. They also call upon the intezamia committee to respectfully shift the Gyanvapi mosque to another appropriate place and hand over the original site of Kashi Vishvanatha to the Hindu society. Vinod Bansal, the VHP’s national spokesperson, believes that this righteous action will be an important step towards creating amicable relations between the two prominent communities of Bharat.
