Team Clarion
BHOPAL — The Kamal Moola Mosque in Dhar in Madhya Pradesh’s Malwa region has once again been the centre of controversy after a large number of Hindu devotees gathered there on Sunday (February 2) for Basant Panchami. The mosque, which the Muslim community recognises as a place of Islamic worship, is claimed by Hindu groups to be an ancient temple dedicated to Maa Vadvi (Saraswati).
Every year, this religious site becomes a focal point of tension, with both communities laying claim to its significance. The Hindu community insists that the building was originally a temple of Saraswati, dating back to 1034 AD when Raja Bhoj is said to have installed an idol of Maa Vadvi. “This place has always been a temple, and we demand that the name Kamal Moola Masjid be removed and the site is reserved entirely for Hindu worship,” said Gopal Sharma, convener of the Bhojshala Mukti Yagya, a Hindu organisation which has long campaigned for the temple’s recognition.
On Basant Panchami, the worship began early in the morning, with a Shobha Yatra (religious procession) taken out from Udaji Rao Chowk. Devotees performed a Maha Aarti to honour Maa Vadvi, attracting a large crowd. The atmosphere was one of devotion, but also a reminder of the long-standing dispute over the site.
The administration has been on high alert, with heavy security measures put in place. “We take every precaution to maintain peace and security during Basant Panchami,” said a police officer stationed at the site. The tension surrounding this religious site has been rising for years, with occasional disputes over its ownership and purpose.
The government and judiciary have been monitoring the situation closely, and it remains to be seen whether new decisions will be made regarding the future of the Kamal Moola Mosque or if the dispute will persist. The ongoing tension between the two religious groups highlights the broader challenges of religious identity and historical claims in India.
With tensions running high and both communities steadfast in their beliefs, the Kamal Moola Mosque continues to be a flashpoint for religious controversy in Madhya Pradesh. The future of the site remains uncertain, and the situation demands careful handling to ensure peace in the region.
