Gyanvapi Mosque Dispute: The Location and Contents of Vyas Ji Ka Tehkana

In a significant legal development regarding Varanasi’s Gyanvapi Masjid, a district court recently granted permission for members of a family of priests to conduct prayers in one of the mosque’s cellars. This cellar, known as Vyasji ka Tehkhana, was unsealed, and a puja was held around 3 am.

Description of the Cellar Temple:

The Gyanvapi mosque, constructed in the 17th century, features four cellars, with ‘Vyas ji ka Tehkhana’ being one of them. Situated in the southern part of the mosque’s complex, it stands opposite a Nandi bull statue in the adjoining Kashi Vishwanath temple premises. The cellar, measuring 7 feet in height and 40 square feet in area, allegedly contains idols that were worshipped before it was sealed in 1993.

Petitioner’s Claims:

The petitioner, Shailendra Pathak Vyas, asserts that the Vyas family has been worshipping inside the cellar for over two centuries. They argue that even during British rule, the family gained control of the cellar as part of a balancing plan formulated after riots in 1819. Following this, the family began conducting prayers in the cellar. Despite independence, the family continued the tradition, and the cellar became known as Vyas ji ka tehkhana, named after Somnath Vyas, who conducted prayers there before the sealing in 1993.

Reasons for Sealing the Cellar:

The cellar was sealed in 1993, shortly after the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. President’s Rule was imposed in the state, and the subsequent government under Mulayam Singh Yadav prohibited prayers inside the cellar temple, citing law and order concerns. The petitioner contends that regular prayers were conducted by Somnath Vyas in the cellar before it was sealed.

Recent Puja and its Participants:

Following the recent court ruling, members of the Vyas family held a puja inside the cellar after three decades, around 3 am. Jitendra Nath Vyas, a family member, reported that five priests from the Kashi Vishwanath temple, their family members, and top district officials were present during the puja. Heavy security was deployed near the mosque to prevent any potential unrest.

Legal Response and Next Steps:

The mosque committee plans to challenge the court’s decision in the high court. Lawyer Akhlaq Ahmed claims that the order overlooks the Advocate Commissioner report of 2022, ASI’s report, and the decision of 1937, which was in their favor. He argues that the Hindu side has not provided evidence that prayers were held before 1993, and there is no idol in the cellar. Advocate Merajuddin Siddiqui accuses district officials of colluding with the district magistrate, suggesting a political motive. The legal battle continues, with contrasting views on the evidence presented.

Reactions and Political Impact:

Hindu organizations, including the VHP, have welcomed the court’s decision, expressing joy among the Hindu community. Alok Kumar, VHP’s working president, termed the decision as crucial. The BJP, however, refrains from commenting, citing the matter as subjudice. The conflicting reactions highlight the sensitive nature of the case.

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