In a significant development, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has conclusively established the historical presence of a large Hindu temple at the Gyanvapi mosque site in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The comprehensive ASI report sheds light on the existence of the Hindu temple predating the construction of the current mosque structure.
The revelation comes following a scientific survey initiated by the ASI in response to a district court order issued on July 21 last year. The objective of the survey was to determine whether the Gyanvapi mosque was built over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple. This crucial investigation took place in the backdrop of a longstanding dispute involving both Hindu and Muslim parties, with both sides eagerly seeking copies of the ASI survey report.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, the legal representative of the Hindu faction, shared the ASI’s findings at a press conference. He underscored the significance of the report, stating that it clearly affirms the existence of a large Hindu temple on the Gyanvapi premises before the construction of the present mosque.
This revelation is poised to have far-reaching implications on the ongoing legal and socio-religious discourse surrounding the Gyanvapi mosque complex, which adjoins the revered Kashi Vishwanath temple. The ASI’s conclusive findings contribute crucial historical context to the site, adding another layer to the intricate tapestry of India’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
As stakeholders and scholars delve into the implications of this archaeological discovery, it is likely to spark renewed discussions and debates on the coexistence of different religious structures throughout India’s history. The ASI’s meticulous survey provides a tangible link to the past, prompting a closer examination of the intricate interplay between various faiths that has shaped the nation’s cultural landscape over the centuries.
