A local court in Ajmer, Rajasthan, has admitted a petition seeking to investigate claims that the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a prominent Sufi shrine, stands on the remnants of an ancient Shiva temple. The case has sparked widespread debate, drawing the attention of legal experts, historians, and religious communities.
The petition was filed by a group of individuals affiliated with a right-wing organization, asserting that the site originally housed a Shiva temple before being converted into a dargah dedicated to Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The petitioners have requested a survey of the site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to determine the historical and religious status of the land.
The petitioners argue that the site’s historical identity should be ascertained through scientific investigation, citing precedents such as the court-mandated surveys in Ayodhya and Varanasi. They claim the structure’s architectural features, inscriptions, and historical records could support their assertion. The plea seeks the enforcement of Hindu worship rights at the site if it is proven to have been a temple.
On the other hand, representatives of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah have vehemently opposed the claims, describing the petition as a politically motivated attempt to disrupt communal harmony. “Ajmer Sharif is a symbol of unity and interfaith harmony. This claim is baseless and threatens the legacy of peace the shrine represents,” said Syed Salman Chishty, a caretaker of the shrine.
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah, built in the 12th century, is a renowned pilgrimage site for people of all faiths. It is the burial place of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a Sufi mystic who promoted tolerance and inclusivity. While historical records document the shrine’s establishment during the Delhi Sultanate era, the petitioners claim that archaeological evidence might reveal a pre-existing temple.
Legal experts warn that the case could have far-reaching consequences, potentially setting a precedent for similar claims across the country. “The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, explicitly prohibits altering the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947. However, the court’s decision to admit the petition raises questions about the scope of this law,” said constitutional lawyer Faizan Mirza.
The case also stirs emotions among locals and devotees, with many expressing concerns over the politicization of religious sites. “Ajmer Sharif has always been a place where Hindus, Muslims, and others have prayed together. Such petitions only serve to divide us,” said a devotee at the dargah.
The court has directed the parties to submit relevant evidence and has scheduled the next hearing for early December. The ASI may be roped in to conduct a preliminary investigation if the court deems it necessary.
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