Story Content

On May 15, 2026, the Madhya Pradesh High Court in Indore ruled that the more than 1000-year-old Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex, located in Dhar town, is to be treated as a temple of Goddess Saraswati (also known as Vagdevi). According to the court, originally the site was one center of learning of Sanskrit established by Raja Bhoj of the Paramara dynasty in the 11th century.

The division bench set aside the order of 2003 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which had permitted the Hindus to come to the temple every Tuesday and the Muslims to come for namaz every Friday. The High Court allowed Hindus full freedom to worship and ordered the ASI to continue to maintain the monument.

After the verdict, authorities barred all non-Hindus from entering the complex to prevent any disruption of law and order and respect the new religious outlook of the complex. An idol of Saraswati has been set up, and priests are starting to pray. Heavy security measures are being deployed in Dhar while Hindu groups are celebrating the events.

The Muslim community has promised to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. The decision has been praised by commentators around the country as historical justice and is being decried by others who are worried about what it means for other contentious sites.

The move signals a significant milestone in the controversy that has been raging for years between the creator and owner of the Bhojshala and the government, as well as a nod to the current debates on the issue of religious rights and historical monuments in India.