Remarks by security staff at the Hazrat Khwaja Sultan Ghori Dargah, controlled by ASI, and claims about temple origins trigger unease and questions over heritage protection
NEW DELHI — Fresh concern has emerged among devotees after prayers were reportedly restricted at the historic Hazrat Khwaja Sultan Ghori Dargah during the annual Urs (commemoration of the death anniversary) gathering on Wednesday, with some visitors alleging that officials prevented people from offering namaz and quickly cleared the premises.
The issue has gained attention at a time when discussions around religious sites and heritage structures continue across the country. Devotees visiting the shrine in the Mahipalpur area of Delhi’s Vasant Kunj said the atmosphere during this year’s Urs was very different from previous years.
The dargah, associated with centuries-old Sufi traditions, has long been known as a place visited by people from different communities. Every year, large numbers of devotees gather there for prayers after Maghrib (sunset) namaz.
However, several visitors claimed that this year they were not allowed to remain at the shrine after prayers and were asked to leave soon after religious rituals concluded.
According to devotees, officials linked to the Archaeological Survey of India had increased restrictions at the site. Some alleged that even offering namaz was discouraged during the Urs gathering.
A devotee present at the shrine said, “People come here once a year with faith and respect. Suddenly asking them to leave and restricting prayers has deeply upset many visitors.”
Another visitor said, “This place has always represented shared culture and harmony. The restrictions have created confusion and sadness among people.”
The controversy grew further after a security guard posted at the site allegedly told visitors that he was acting on instructions and that prayers could not be allowed there. Some devotees also claimed the guard remarked that the structure was originally a temple, a statement that shocked many present.
No official statement confirming such claims has been issued by the ASI.
Visitors have alleged that some alien religious symbols have also appeared near the main entrance of the shrine in recent years, leading to fears among some devotees that attempts are being made to create a dispute over the site’s identity.
A local said, “People are worried because similar disputes have emerged at other places too. They fear unnecessary controversy around an old religious site.”
Devotees further alleged that, unlike previous years, the shrine was not decorated during the Urs celebrations. Some also complained that they were not allowed to gather for long periods after evening prayers.
Local people claimed that while restrictions were imposed on namaz and religious gatherings, other activities in and around the area did not face similar curbs.
One resident said, “People only want to pray peacefully and continue traditions that have existed for years.”
The matter has led to growing discussion among community members, who are seeking clarity from authorities regarding the rules governing worship at protected heritage sites under ASI supervision.
So far, neither the ASI nor the district authorities have issued a detailed public response to the allegations made by devotees.
The issue has once again highlighted the delicate balance between heritage management, administrative control, and the protection of long-standing religious practices at historical sites in the national capital.
