Controversy Over Bijamandal: Mosque or Temple?

The Vidisha district administration in Madhya Pradesh refused to open the 11th century Bijamandal for Hindu prayers on Nagpanchami, citing an ASI notification. Hindus have worshipped there for 30 years, but the ASI states the site is a mosque, not a temple, causing hurt sentiments.

The Vidisha district administration in Madhya Pradesh has invoked an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) notification to deny Hindus access to the 11th century Bijamandal for prayers on Nagpanchami, which falls on Friday.

A group of Hindus had approached Collector Buddhesh Kumar Vaidya to request the site's opening for the snake-worshipping festival of Nagpanchami. Vaidya forwarded the plea to the ASI, which on August 2 cited a 1951 gazette notification, declaring Bijamandal is a mosque, not a temple.

Shubham Verma, leading the Hindu group, expressed disappointment, stating that Hindus have prayed outside the structure on Nagpanchami for the past 30 years. The ASI's assertion that the site is a mosque has deeply hurt Hindu sentiments.

(With inputs from agencies.)