Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Hindu Group Seeks Exclusive Access for Saraswati Puja at Bhojshala
There is a big argument about a place called Bhojshala in Madhya Pradesh.
Hindus say it is an ancient temple of Goddess Saraswati, while Muslims say it is a mosque named Kamal Maula.
The government allows Hindus to worship there every Tuesday and on Basant Panchami, and Muslims to pray on Fridays.
This year, Basant Panchami falls on a Friday, so Hindus want exclusive access that day for their prayers.
They say letting Muslims pray on the same day causes fights.
The court is still deciding who is right, and the government is putting extra security to keep the peace.
Hindu Front for Justice seeks exclusive access for Saraswati Puja on January 23, 2026, when Basant Panchami coincides with Friday.
The Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex is claimed by Hindus as an ancient temple and by Muslims as a mosque.
Current ASI order allows Hindus to worship every Tuesday and on Basant Panchami, and Muslims to offer Friday prayers from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Hindus argue that overlapping observances have led to disorder and communal violence in the past.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has referred the matter to the Supreme Court, which is yet to decide on the site's religious character.
- Who
- Hindu Front for Justice, Hindus, Muslims, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Madhya Pradesh High Court, Supreme Court
- What
- Dispute over access to Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex on Basant Panchami coinciding with Friday
- When
- January 23, 2026
- Where
- Dhar, Madhya Pradesh
- Why
- Hindus seek exclusive access for Saraswati Puja, Muslims claim right to offer Friday prayers
- Location
- Dhar, Madhya Pradesh
- Date of Incident
- January 23, 2026
- Protected by
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- Hindu Claim
- Ancient temple of Goddess Saraswati
- Muslim Claim
- Kamal Maula Mosque
- Current ASI Order
- Hindus worship every Tuesday and on Basant Panchami; Muslims offer Friday prayers from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- High Court Decision
- Declined to proceed further, referred to Supreme Court
- Security Measures
- Heightened security with thousands of personnel deployed
