A new religious dispute has emerged in Rajasthan’s Ajmer, where the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the famous shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, is now at the center of controversy. A petition filed by the Hindu Sena in a local court claims that this dargah was originally a Shiva temple, referred to as the Sankat Mochan Mahadev Temple.
The petitioners have demanded a survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to investigate the claim and have sought permission for Hindu devotees to worship at the site.
What’s Happening in Court?
On November 27, 2024, the Ajmer Civil Court sent notices to the ASI, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Dargah Committee, asking them to respond to the claims. The next hearing on this matter was set for December 20, 2024, and is being closely watched by religious groups and legal experts.
History vs. Law: The Debate
Those supporting the petition refer to a 1910 historical account by Harvilas Sharda that allegedly mentions a temple at this location. On the other hand, representatives of the dargah and other religious organizations have called these claims politically motivated and aimed at disturbing communal peace.
Importantly, the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 makes it illegal to change the religious character of any place of worship as it stood on August 15, 1947, making such petitions legally complicated.
Why This Matters Beyond Ajmer
This is not an isolated case. Similar disputes have been raised regarding the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, the Shahi Idgah in Mathura, and the Sambhal Jama Masjid. Such cases often spark heated debates on religion, history, and identity, and sometimes even lead to public unrest.
Key Takeaways
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Cultural Identity vs. Shared Heritage – Disputes like this highlight the tension between preserving pluralistic spaces and reclaiming them for one faith.
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Politics in Play – Many critics see these cases as linked to political strategies, especially in the lead-up to elections.
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Legal Roadblocks – The 1991 Act acts as a safeguard, but courts are often dragged into complex historical and religious arguments.
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Risk of Tension – Such controversies can easily escalate into communal conflicts if not handled carefully.
Conclusion
The Ajmer Dargah case is more than just a legal fight over a piece of land—it raises deeper questions about how India deals with its layered religious history. As the case moves forward, it will test not only the legal boundaries of the Places of Worship Act but also the country’s ability to maintain peace and coexistence in a diverse society.
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