Devotees visit Bhojshala complex to perform puja, other religious rituals

The medieval Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar witnessed a historic transformation on Sunday, May 17, as a large number of Hindu devotees gathered to perform daily religious rituals.

This comes after the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in a formal order on Saturday, allowed the Hindu community to perform puja after the major verdict from the Madhya Pradesh High Court that has recognised the Bhojshala structure as an 11th-century Sanskrit learning centre as well as the temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati).

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The High Court had quashed a 2003 arrangement by the ASI, which earlier restricted Hindu worship to Tuesdays, besides permitting Friday prayers for the Muslim community.

Notably, this entire monument was built originally by King Bhoj of the Parmar dynasty.

While acting in the judicial mandate, the ASI has now issued a fresh directive that grants unrestricted access to the Hindu community for daily learning and worship throughout the year, IANS reported.

Under the new guidelines, religious ceremonies began at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday. The rituals were led by Vedic priests with sacred fire offerings as well as elaborate prayers amid chanting of ancient mantras. The place echoed with passionate slogans celebrating the historical monarch and the deity.

Hundreds of devotees from various places entered the premises carrying a large symbolic image of Goddess Vagdevi. This marked the culmination of a legal and spiritual struggle that spanned decades.

The morning rituals on Sunday started with a grand prayer ceremony that drew extensive participation from the local populace and visitors alike.

Also, a massive turnout was expected again during the evening prayer session at 5:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, the district administration along with local police remains on high alert, with deployment of tight security measures across Dhar to ensure peace and prevent the spread of misinformation.