In a significant ruling on the long-standing Bhojshala-Kamal Maula dispute in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has held that the disputed Bhojshala complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The verdict marks a major development in a case that has remained under legal and religious debate for many years.
The court said historical records, archaeological findings and available evidence indicated that the structure had temple origins and that a later structure was built over its remains. It observed that the site had long been associated with worship linked to Goddess Saraswati and functioned as an important centre of learning during the period of Raja Bhoj.
The High Court also set aside an earlier arrangement that allowed regulated prayers at the site and directed authorities to manage the monument accordingly. The court stated that future administration of the protected site should be handled by the relevant authorities while ensuring proper maintenance and regulation.
At the same time, the court suggested that the Muslim side may be provided alternative land for constructing a mosque. The recommendation was made while addressing concerns related to worship arrangements and the future use of the site.
The Bhojshala complex has remained at the centre of competing claims for decades, with Hindu groups identifying it as a Saraswati temple and Muslim groups associating it with the Kamal Maula Mosque. The matter has seen multiple legal proceedings and periodic tensions over worship rights over the years.
