Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Complex Declared a Temple by MP High Court

On 15 May 2026, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court delivered a major judgment regarding the long-disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district. The Court ruled that the religious character of the site is that of a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, also known as Vagdevi.

The decision was given by a Bench comprising Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi. The Court also cancelled the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) order issued in 2003 that had restricted Hindu worship practices at the site while allowing Muslim prayers on specific occasions.

Background of the Bhojshala Dispute

The Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh has remained a sensitive religious and historical dispute for many years. Both Hindu and Muslim communities claimed rights over the site. Hindus regarded the place as an ancient temple and centre of learning associated with Goddess Saraswati, while Muslims identified it as the Kamal Maula Mosque.

Several petitions were filed before the High Court, including those by Hindu organisations seeking unrestricted worship rights and recognition of the structure as a temple.

What the High Court Ruled

The High Court made several important observations in its judgment:

• The religious identity of the structure is that of a Hindu temple.
• The temple is associated with Goddess Saraswati (Vagdevi).
• The 2003 ASI arrangement regulating prayers and worship stands cancelled.
• The Archaeological Survey of India will continue to oversee administration and preservation of the site.

The Court stated that the evidence available through historical records, archaeological findings, and literary references strongly supported the temple claim.

Findings of the ASI Survey

A scientific survey of the Bhojshala complex was conducted by the ASI between 22 March and 30 June 2024 following judicial directions. According to the survey report, the present structure contained architectural fragments and remains from earlier temples.

The findings became an important part of the legal proceedings and were cited as supporting evidence by the Hindu side.

Historical Importance of Bhojshala

Historical documents and archaeological references describe Bhojshala as an important centre of Sanskrit education during the Paramara period. Many accounts connect the site with learning, literature, and the worship of Goddess Saraswati, who is regarded in Hindu tradition as the deity of wisdom, music, speech, and knowledge.

The structure has long been officially referred to as the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex due to the overlapping religious claims attached to it.

Supreme Court’s Earlier Observations

The dispute had also reached the Supreme Court earlier.

• In January 2024, the Supreme Court ordered maintenance of status quo at the site, meaning no changes were to be made until further judicial orders.
• In May 2024, the Supreme Court declined requests seeking a stay on the ASI survey.

After the latest High Court verdict, the ASI will continue