'Architectural Features Of Ajmer Dargah Resemble Hindu Structures': Court Issues Notice Over Claim Of Shiva Temple

A court in Ajmer, Rajasthan issued a notice on (27 November) to the defendants in a civil suit alleging that the Ajmer Dargah, the tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, was built over a Shiva temple and should be declared the Bhagwan Shri Sankatmochan Mahadev Virajman Temple.

Civil Judge (Junior Division) Man Mohan Chandel passed the order, setting the next hearing for 20 December. The suit was filed by Hindu Sena President Vishnu Gupta through advocate Shashi Ranjan Kumar Singh.

The petition seeking the removal of the Dargah Committee from the premises and calling for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a survey of the site. It argues that the architectural features of the Ajmer Dargah, particularly the roof design at the main entrance gate, resemble Hindu structures, indicating the site’s original purpose as a Hindu temple.

"The materials and the style of these chatrees plainly betray their Hindu origin," the plea claims. It further alleges that layers of color and whitewashing obscure the intricate carvings, which would reveal the structure’s true identity if removed.

Additionally, the suit asserts that there is no historical record indicating that the Ajmer Dargah was constructed on vacant land. Instead, it cites historical accounts suggesting the presence of a Mahadeva temple and Jain temples at the site, where Hindu devotees once worshipped.

The petitioner has sought directives from the court for the Union government to facilitate the reconstruction of the Bhagwan Shri Sankatmochan Mahadev Temple at the disputed property.

The case is part of a broader trend of legal disputes in India, where claimants have sought the restoration of sites they allege were originally Hindu temples but are now occupied by structures of other faiths, including the recent Sambhal Mosque case.

The court’s notice to the Muslim side represents the initial stage of the legal process, with further developments expected following the hearing on 20 December.