1. Hindu prayers resumed at the southern cellar of Gyanvapi Masjid after three decades.
2. The local court’s approval paved the way for this significant event at the 17th-century mosque complex.
3. District magistrate S Rajalingam confirmed compliance with the court order after consultations with authorities.
Varanasi, Feb 01: Hindu prayers were offered at the southern cellar of Gyanvapi Masjid at 3 am on Thursday for the first time in three decades.
This followed a local court’s approval the day before at the 17th-century mosque complex. The district magistrate, S Rajalingam, confirmed compliance with the court order after holding a meeting with relevant authorities.
The district judge, AK Vishvesha, granted permission to Shailendra Kumar Pathak Vyas, who sought the court’s approval, and a Kashi Vishwanath trust-appointed priest to enter the premises and resume prayers in the southern cellar of the mosque, adjoining the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This marks the first time since December 1993 that prayers have been allowed in this area.
The court order is expected to have implications for related suits concerning the disputed Varanasi shrine and similar petitions related to a mosque in Mathura. Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, the advocate representing Vyas, expressed joy over the court order’s compliance.
The Vyas family considered hereditary owners of the southern cellar, historically performed prayers to deities such as Ganesha, Hanuman, and Nandi.
Also Read: China Surpasses Japan as Global Leader in Car Exports, Shipping 4.91 Million Vehicles
All four cellars of the mosque were sealed in 1992 after the Babri Masjid demolition, and permanent barriers were erected. Vyas filed a plea in September 2023 to appoint a receiver for the cellar, seeking permission for prayers.
Vyas argued that the mosque committee might take over the cellar, but the committee dismissed the allegation. Vishvesha, who retired on the same day, directed prayers to resume within seven days.
The court will hear the mosque committee’s objections on February 8, and the committee has expressed its intent to challenge the order in the high court.
The mosque committee contends that Hindu suits are barred under the 1991 Places of Worship Act, maintaining the religious character of shrines as of August 15, 1947.
Vishvesha provided a copy of an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report in January, concluding that a Hindu temple existed at the Gyanvapi Masjid site before its construction. The mosque committee disputes the ASI report and plans to study it before taking legal steps.
