Archive · 23 Jul 2026
SC to hear Hindu plea for Sawan puja at Gyanvapi
The Supreme Court is going to hear a request from the Hindu side to allow them to pray at a place called Gyanvapi in Varanasi.
They want to perform special prayers during the holy month of Sawan at a spot they believe is a Shivling, which is a sacred object in Hinduism.
This area has been sealed since 2022.
The Hindu side says the mosque was built after a temple was destroyed, but the Muslim side says the mosque is a legally recognized place of worship.
Both sides have refused to settle the matter through mediation and want the court to decide.
Recently, a lower court allowed prayers in another part of the mosque complex.
The Supreme Court will hear a plea from the Hindu side to offer prayers at the alleged Shivling in the sealed area of the Gyanvapi mosque during Sawan.
The Hindu side claims the mosque was built after the demolition of a temple and that the structure is a Shivling.
The Muslim side maintains the mosque is a legally recognized Waqf property and disputes the Hindu claims.
Both sides declined the Supreme Court's proposal for mediation and opted for a judicial process.
The Varanasi District Court recently allowed Hindu devotees to offer prayers in the Vyas Tehkhana, a part of the Gyanvapi mosque complex.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, Hindu and Muslim parties
- What
- Hearing on Hindu plea for Sawan puja at sealed Gyanvapi area
- When
- Thursday
- Where
- Supreme Court of India
- Why
- To decide on the Hindu side's request to offer prayers at the alleged Shivling during Sawan
Hindu Side
Muslim Side
Nature of the Gyanvapi Structure
Hindu Side
The Hindu side claims the Gyanvapi mosque was built after the demolition of a temple during the Mughal period and that the structure is a Shivling.
Muslim Side
The Muslim side maintains that the mosque is a legally recognized Waqf property and disputes the Hindu claims.
Permission for Worship
Hindu Side
The Hindu side seeks permission to offer prayers and Jalabhishek at the alleged Shivling in the sealed area during Sawan.
Muslim Side
The Muslim side has not explicitly stated their stance on the current plea but has historically opposed Hindu worship at the site.
- Date of Hearing
- Thursday
- Location of Dispute
- Gyanvapi Mosque Complex, Varanasi
- Sealed Area
- Wuzukhana area
- Discovery of Shivling
- 2022
- Mediation Proposal
- Declined by both sides
- Recent Court Order
- Permission for prayers in Vyas Tehkhana