Gujarat: Statues of Hindu-Jain deities found in the basement of Bharuch’s Jama Masjid
Bharuch, June 10: A video has surfaced amid the ongoing controversy over the original form of the Jama (Jumma) Masjid in Bharuch district, Gujarat. The video claims that statues of Hindu-Jain deities have been found in the mosque’s basement.
Mahant Muktanand Swami of the Shankaracharya Math in Nav Chowki Ovara, Bharuch, released a video claiming that the Jama Masjid is actually a Jain Samri Vihar. He claimed that after a long campaign and demonstrations, when the 700-year-old basement was opened, statues of Lord Mallinath dating back to Vikram Samvat 1213 were found, which strengthen his claim. He demanded that the site be re-established as a temple.
Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) demolished unauthorized construction within a restricted area. Furthermore, to maintain security and law and order, a main entrance leading to the basement has been permanently closed.
Regarding the disputed mosque, both Hindu and Jain parties maintain that the original Jain Samri Vihar temple was converted into a mosque during Alauddin Khilji’s invasion in the 13th century. They claim that ancient carvings of Jain tradition can still be seen on the mosque’s pillars. The
Muslim community maintains that Friday prayers have been regularly offered at the site for centuries
Jama Masjid trustee Abdul Kamthi stated that this historic mosque has been registered in the Indian Government Gazette since 1907 and is operated by a trust registered under the Waqf Board. He believes some individuals are deliberately stirring up controversy. He added that lawyers have been consulted in this matter and the truth will be revealed through legal proceedings.
