The Bhojshala verdict delivered by the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday declared the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar a temple, marking a major development in the long-running religious dispute linked to the site.
A two-judge bench also quashed an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) circular that had allowed members of the Muslim community to offer namaz at the premises. The court further observed that the Muslim side could approach the Supreme Court of India seeking separate land for a mosque in Dhar district.
Bhojshala verdict revives debate over temple and mosque claims
The Hindu community considers Bhojshala a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, while members of the Muslim community identify the site as the Kamal Maula Mosque and have traditionally offered namaz there on Fridays. A petitioner from the Jain community had also claimed that the structure was originally a medieval Jain temple and gurukul.
During the hearing, petitioner Rajesh Bijwe said preparations were underway to reinstall a symbolic idol of Goddess Vagdevi at the complex. He claimed that the original idol was taken away during British rule and that a replica had now been brought for installation.
The Archaeological Survey of India earlier submitted a report before the High Court stating that a large structure predating the rule of the Paramara kings was discovered at the disputed site. According to the ASI, the present structure was built using remains of earlier temples.
Hindu community celebrating their VICTORY as HC delivers verdict Bhojshala Temple–Kamal Maula Mosque complex dispute case
They distributed sweets and congratulated each other on the victory https://t.co/bQ6yEAEuFf pic.twitter.com/eafCVuPcpT
— Sheetal Chopra 🇮🇳 (@SheetalPronamo) May 15, 2026
The findings were based on a 98-day scientific survey and a report spanning more than 2,000 pages. Additional Solicitor General Sunil Kumar Jain presented the report before Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi at the Indore bench of the High Court.
The Bhojshala verdict is expected to trigger political and legal reactions in the coming days as both sides weigh their next course of action.
