Varanasi Court Grants Permission for ASI Survey of Gyanvapi Mosque

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh - The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to commence a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises on previous Monday at 7 AM. The survey will exclude the 'Wazukhana' area, as per the recent permission granted by the Varanasi Court based on a petition seeking the survey.

The ASI team arrived in Lucknow on Sunday and met with the Varanasi Commissioner to finalize their preparations for the survey. The court has instructed the ASI to submit a report with their findings by August 4, 2023. The next court hearing is also scheduled for the same date.

The petition requesting a scientific survey, including carbon dating, was filed in the Varanasi Court to determine the age of the 'Shivling' allegedly found at the Gyanvapi mosque. A K Vishvesh's court upheld the petition brought by a group of Hindu devotees who sought to ascertain whether the mosque was built on the site of a Hindu temple.

However, the 'wazukhana,' an area claimed by Hindu litigants to contain a 'shivling,' will not be included in the survey. Mosque authorities assert that the structure in the 'wazukhana' is part of a fountain used for ablutions before namaz.

Advocate Mohammad Tauheed Khan, representing the Muslim side, commented on the court's decision, stating, "Today, the court approved the application of the (Hindu side) to conduct the ASI survey of the area, except the sealed 'wazukhana.'"

The Hindu side, on the other hand, had filed a petition seeking a direction for the ASI to survey the entire Gyanvapi mosque complex. Vishnu Shankar Jain, counsel representing the Hindu side, welcomed the order, affirming, "the survey will be done. We will file a caveat if the Muslim side approaches the Allahabad High Court or the Supreme Court."

The survey's significance lies in its potential to shed light on the historical context and origins of the Gyanvapi mosque and its relation to the presence of a Hindu temple on the site. The ASI's scientific approach aims to unravel the mysteries surrounding this sacred location, contributing to a deeper understanding of India's rich cultural heritage and religious heritage.

As the survey commences, the nation awaits with anticipation to uncover the truths hidden within the walls of the Gyanvapi mosque, hoping to foster mutual understanding and respect among different religious communities. The survey's impartial findings are expected to play a crucial role in guiding the course of this significant legal and historical debate.