Vidisha

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Vijay Surya Mandir / Bijamandal mosque

As in 2024

P Naveen, August 9, 2024: The Times of India

Bhopal : After Bhojshala, a new controversy has emerged in Madhya Pradesh, this time around the ancient Vijay Surya Mandir in MP’s Vidisha that is managed by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Pictures of this temple had gone viral some time ago for its uncanny resemblance to the new Parliament building.


For decades, Hindu devotees have observed religious rituals outside the site on Nag Panchami. This year, however, Hindu groups sought permission to enter the premises and hold puja on Aug 9.


District collector Buddesh Vaishya forwarded their request to ASI, which responded by citing a 1951 gazette notification categorizing the site as ‘Bijamandal Mosque’. The collector then denied permission for worship, sparking outrage among Hindu groups. 
They oppose ASI’s classification of the site as a mosque, asserting that it has been a place of Hindu worship since 1972. The Vijay Surya Mandir / Bijamandal mosque site — around 60km from Bhopal and barely 10km from Sanchi Stupa — has had a tumultuous history. The ASI Bhopal circle website says the mosque was constructed on ruins of a Hindu Temple, and one of the inscriptions found on the pillar says it was a temple of Goddess Charchika.


It is believed to have been built in the 11th-12th Century to honour the Sun God. The temple suffered significant damage during Mughal rule, particularly under the reign of Aurangzeb, after which it was repurposed as a mosque in the 17th Century. However, under Maratha rule, the mosque was relocated, and the site fell into disrepair, say locals.
In 1934, the discovery of the temple ruins sparked a movement, led by Hindu Mahasabha, for its preservation. Since then, the temple has been opened for worship only once a year, on Nag Panchami. 


To address tensions in 1965, the then CM, Dwarka Prasad Mishra, established a separate Idgah for Muslims. Muslim representatives refrained from speaking to media.