‘Gyanvapi structure should be handed over to Hindus’

Guwahati: As the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has clearly indicated that there was a Hindu temple at Gyanvapi complex, Vishva Hindu Parishad urges the opponents to handover the structure to Hindus. VHP’s international working president and a senior advocate Alok Kumar argues that the ASI, an expert body under the Union ministry of culture for archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of Bharat, has already submitted its report to the district judge hearing the Gyanvapi matter in Kashi, where it informed that the evidence collected from the structure reconfirms that the mosque was built after demolishing a magnificent temple.
“A part of the temple structure, particularly the western wall is the remaining part of the Hindu temple. The report also proves that parts of the pre-existing temple including pillars and pilasters were reused with modifications to extend the span of the mosque and in the construction of the sahan,” said Kumar in a statement issued in New Delhi on 27 January adding that the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI. Besides, it regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972, he stated.
For the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance the entire country is divided into 37 Circles. The organization has a large work force of trained archaeologists, conservators, epigraphist, architects and scientists for conducting archaeological research projects through its circles, museums, excavation branches, prehistory branch, epigraphy branches, science branch, horticulture branch, building survey project, temple survey projects and underwater archaeology wing.
The Shivlinga in what was called the wazukhana leaves no doubt that thestructure does not have the character of a mosque. The finding of names like Janardana, Rudra and Umeswara in inscriptions foundin the structure are the tell-tale evidence of this being a temple, asserted Kumar. He also reminded that the evidence collected and conclusions provided by the ASI do prove that the religious character of this place of worship existed on 15 August 1947, and as at present isof a Hindu temple. Thus, even as per section 4 of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, the structure should be declared as a Hindu temple
Now the VHP proposes that the Hindus should be permitted to offer Sewa Puja to the Shivlinga found in the so called wazukhanaarea, and also calls upon the intezamia committee to agree to respectfully shift the Gyanvapi mosque to another appropriate place and to handover the original site of Kashi Vishvanatha to the Hindu society. VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal opines that this righteous action shall be an important step towards creating amicable relations between the two prominent communities of Bharat.