‘Dhar Bhojshala is a temple’: Madhya Pradesh High Court rules in favour of Hindu side, accepts ASI findings

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has officially recognized the Dhar Bhojshala as a temple, accepting ASI findings that confirm its Hindu origins.

Written by: Abhijeet Sen Edited by: Abhijeet Sen

Updated: May 15, 2026, 3:28 PM IST

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https://www.india.com/news/india/dhar-bhojshala-is-a-temple-madhya-pradesh-high-court-rules-in-favour-of-hindu-side-accepts-asi-findings-8415703/ Copy

Bhojsala Temple (Image- PTI)

Bhojshala temple case: In a significant national development, Bhojshala, located in Dhar city has been declared a temple by MP High Court. In the massive development on Friday, the court has ruled in favour of Hindu side, accepting Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) findings. The MP High Court has observed that providing basic amenities to pilgrims, making proper arrangements at certain sites and maintaining law and order constitute a constitutional duty along with preserving sanctity and safeguarding the nature of the deity. Here are all the details you need to know about the Dhar Bhojshala temple case.

High security around Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque Complex in Dhar

Nearly 1,200 police personnel were deployed in and around the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque Complex in Dhar on Friday ahead of the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s ruling on the 11th-century monument claimed by Hindus and Muslims.

Also read: Heritage row in Telangana after 800-year-old Shiva Temple razed in Warangal, case filed

What is the current status of Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque Complex in Dhar?

While the Hindu and Muslim communities currently share the site under a 2003 notification, a group from the Jain community has also staked a claim to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected site.

Dhar Collector Rajeev Ranjan Meena has warned of strict action against anyone spreading objectionable content on social media, as the administration erected barricades at the disputed site where Friday prayers coincide with the court verdict later in the afternoon.

Why is Dhar Bhojsala important for Hindu community?

The Hindu community considers Bhojshala a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim side identifies the monument as the Kamal Maula Mosque and a petitioner from the Jain community claims the complex is a medieval Jain temple and gurukul.

Under the 2003 ASI arrangement, Hindus and Muslims continue to pray on Tuesdays and Fridays respectively. The Hindu side challenged the order in the High Court, seeking exclusive rights to worship at the complex, a report by PTI news agency said.

Also Read: BJP leaders offer prayers at Maa Kali Temple in Delhi after historic victory in West Bengal Assembly Elections

Scientific survey of the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex

The HC had ordered the ASI to conduct a scientific survey of the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex on March 11, 2024. The ASI began the survey on March 22 that year and, after a detailed 98-day survey, submitted its report to the court.

(With inputs from agencies)