ANOTHER POTENTIALLY LONG HINDU-MUSLIM HERITAGE DISPUTE SURFACES IN RAJASTHAN

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a revered Sufi shrine, has become the centre of a contentious legal dispute following a petition filed on November 23, 2024, by Hindu Sena's National President, Vishnu Gupta.

- Ruchira Talapatra

The petition claims the dargah was originally a Shiva temple, sparking debates over historical and religious identities in India. The court, on November 25, issued notices to the Ajmer Dargah Committee, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), marking the beginning of what could become a prolonged legal battle. The case, now under judicial scrutiny, reflects the delicate balance between historical narratives, legal frameworks, and communal harmony.

WHY COURT ISSUED THE ORDER?

In a fresh controversy amidst ongoing temple-mosque debates in India, a new case has emerged from Rajasthan's Ajmer. Vishnu Gupta, the National President of the Hindu Sena, has filed a petition in court claiming that the historic Ajmer Sharif Dargah is, in fact, a Mahadev (Shiva) temple. Acting on the petition, the court has issued notices to the involved parties, bringing the matter into the spotlight.

Vishnu Gupta has based his petition on historical references, particularly citing the 1911 book Ajmer: Historical and Descriptive by former judge Harbilas Sarda. According to the book, the dargah was allegedly constructed using remnants of a temple. It also claims the presence of a gurbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and a Jain temple in the dargah's vicinity. Further, the book mentions the existence of an underground chamber within the dargah containing a Shioling. It is suggested that the temple was originally built by the descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan, the famed ruler of Ajmer.

Gupta has requested that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conduct a detailed survey of the site to verify these claims. He also seeks the restoration of Hindu worship rights at the site. During a media interaction, Gupta stated, "We want Ajmer Sharif Dargah to be officially recognized as Sankat Mochan Mahadev Temple. Any existing registration ofthe dargah should be cancelled, and Hindus should be allowed to perform rituals and worship there."