A civil suit has been filed by Hindu Sena President Vishnu Gupta, claiming that the famous Ajmer Dargah in Rajasthan was built on top of a Shiva temple. The court has issued notices to the ASI, Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Ajmer Dargah Committee to conduct a survey and reconstruct the temple at the site. The plaintiff argues that the Dargah was built on the site of old Hindu temples, and the religious rights of Hindus are being infringed.
Contested History: Hindu Sena Files Suit to Reconstruct Shiva Temple at Ajmer Dargah
Background
The Ajmer Dargah, a revered Sufi shrine in Rajasthan, has become the latest battleground in India's ongoing debate over historical sites. The Hindu Sena, a right-wing organization, has filed a civil suit claiming that the Dargah was built on top of a Shiva temple and that its reconstruction is necessary to restore Hindu rights.
The Lawsuit
In its plea, the Hindu Sena asserts that the Ajmer Dargah was forcibly converted from a Hindu temple during the 12th century. The suit seeks a survey of the site by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the reconstruction of the Shiva temple. Notices have been issued to the ASI, Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Ajmer Dargah Committee.
Controversy and Reactions
The lawsuit has sparked controversy, with both Hindu and Muslim groups weighing in. Hindu Sena President Vishnu Gupta claims that the Dargah holds religious significance for Hindus and that its reconstruction will rectify a historical injustice. Muslim organizations have condemned the suit as an attempt to inflame communal tensions and undermine the sanctity of the Dargah.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the basis for the Hindu Sena's claim? The Hindu Sena alleges that the Ajmer Dargah was built on the site of a Shiva temple mentioned in ancient texts.
2. What evidence supports the claim? The Hindu Sena has not presented any concrete evidence to support its claim that the Dargah was built on a Hindu temple.
3. What is the legal basis for the lawsuit? The Hindu Sena is citing the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which prohibits the conversion of religious places from one faith to another.
4. What is the potential impact of the lawsuit? If successful, the lawsuit could lead to the reconstruction of a Shiva temple at the site of the Ajmer Dargah, potentially creating religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims.
5. What is the historical context of the Ajmer Dargah? The Dargah was built in the 12th century on the tomb of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. It has been a popular pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Muslims for centuries.
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