Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sparked controversy by asserting that the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi is actually a site of Hindu worship, referring to it as ‘Vishwanath’, a name linked to Lord Shiva. This statement was made during a seminar in Gorakhpur, highlighting ongoing tensions over the site, which has been a contentious issue between Hindu and Muslim communities for decades. The CM’s remarks followed a Varanasi court’s recent decision regarding repairs and access to certain areas of the mosque for Hindu devotees. The dispute traces back to claims that a Hindu temple was destroyed during the Mughal era, with petitions currently pending a hearing in court on September 18.
Title: Yogi Adityanath Declares Gyanvapi to be ‘Vishwanath’
Date: September 14, 2024
In a recent speech, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi should actually be referred to as ‘Vishwanath’, connecting it to Lord Shiva. The Chief Minister made this declaration during a seminar in Gorakhpur, expressing his disappointment with those who label Gyanvapi a mosque. He emphasized, “Unfortunately people in other words describe Gyanvapi as a mosque but it is in fact Lord Shiva.”
This statement comes just a day after a local court rejected a plea from the Hindu community requesting repairs to the basement of the Gyanvapi mosque complex. CM Adityanath cited Hindu mythology, particularly stories involving Adi Shankaracharya, to support his claims regarding the site’s significance.
The Gyanvapi mosque has been a point of contention between Hindu and Muslim communities for many years. The Hindu side asserts that a temple existed before the mosque was constructed during the reign of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, who they claim demolished it in the 17th century. The Muslim community, however, maintains that the mosque was present before Aurangzeb’s rule.
Earlier this year, a court allowed Hindu devotees to worship Shiva in specific areas of the mosque. Moreover, a petition was recently filed requesting a survey of the mosque grounds by the Archaeological Survey of India to further clarify the site’s origins, with a court hearing scheduled for September 18.
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Tags: Yogi Adityanath, Gyanvapi Mosque, Varanasi, Lord Shiva, Hindu-Muslim Relations, Uttar Pradesh News, Religious Heritage, Archaeological Survey of India.
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What is the Gyanvapi Mosque?
The Gyanvapi Mosque is a mosque located in Varanasi, India, near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. -
Why is Yogi Adityanath saying Gyanvapi is actually Vishwanath?
Yogi Adityanath believes that the mosque was built on the site of an ancient Hindu temple, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and wants it recognized as a Hindu place of worship. -
What is the current status of the Gyanvapi Mosque case?
The case regarding the Gyanvapi Mosque is ongoing in the courts, with arguments from both sides about its historical and religious significance. -
How do people feel about this issue?
People have differing opinions. Some support Yogi Adityanath’s views, while others are against changing the status of the mosque, highlighting the sensitive nature of religious sites in India. - What might happen if the court decides in favor of Yogi Adityanath’s claims?
If the court rules in favor of the claims, it could lead to changes in the management and use of the site, possibly allowing more Hindu access to the area.
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