ASI Submits Bhojshala Survey Report To Madhya Pradesh High Court, Vagdevi Murti Among 37 Hindu Idols Found

The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) submitted its scientific investigation report of Bhojshala in the Dhar district to the Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday (15 July).

Reportedly, 37 idols of Hindu gods and goddesses were found on the site during the survey. The High Court is set to hear the matter on 22 July, Jagran reported.

Bhojshala is an 11th-century ASI-protected monument whose 'multi-disciplinary scientific survey' was ordered by the High Court on 11 March.

The survey began on 22 March and lasted till 27 June, spanning over three months. Photography and videography of the survey was done as well.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Global Positioning System (GPS) were used for the survey. Additional Director General of ASI, Dr Alok Tripathi supervised the survey.

Around 1,700 relics are said to be found in the survey, including a damaged idol of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati). The Hindus side claims that this proves that Bhojshala was a temple.

Among others, idols of Lord Krishna, Jatadhari Bholenath, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, Lord Bhairavnath, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati are also said to be found.

Renowned archaeologist KK Muhammed had asserted that the complex was originally a Saraswati temple that was later converted into an Islamic place of worship.

An arrangement has been in force since April 2003, according to which Hindus perform puja at the disputed site on Tuesdays and Muslims offer namaz on Fridays.