Mohan Bhagwat Silence Sparks Debate: A statement made 18 months ago by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, ‘Why should we look for Shivling in every mosque’, has created a lot of discussion in the country. This statement came during the Gyanvapi Masjid dispute, when claims were made of the presence of Shivling in the mosque premises. Through this statement, Bhagwat tried to give the message that we should not increase the controversy over religious places and should respect all religions.
Today, there is controversy over many mosques ranging from Shahi Masjid of Sambhal to Jama Masjid Shamsi of Badaun, Ajmer Sharif Dargah of Ajmer, Kamal Maula Masjid of Madhya Pradesh. In such a situation, the question arises that why is RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat silent on his own statement?
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First know what was the full statement of Mohan Bhagwat
On June 2, 2022, at the closing ceremony of the third year of Sangh Shiksha Varg in Nagpur, Mohan Bhagwat had said, “The issue of Gyanvapi is a history. We cannot change history. We did not make this history. Neither the Hindus of today nor the Muslims of today made it. This is a thing of the past. Islam came from outside, it came in the hands of the invaders. They destroyed the temples to destroy the morale of the people who wanted independence of India. There are thousands of such places, which are revered by Hindus today. It is not that today Hindus think against Muslims. The ancestors of today’s Muslims were Hindus even at that time. The temples were destroyed to deprive them of freedom, to suppress their morale. Now Hindus feel that those places should be revived.”
“Due to some historical reason, we joined the Ram Mandir movement according to the situation of that time and completed that task. Now we do not have to do any movement. But, if there is something in the mind, it arises. This is not against anyone and should not be considered against anyone. Muslims should not think like this, nor should Hindus think like this. It is better to sit together and find a solution by consensus. But a solution cannot be found every time. Therefore, we go to the court. But then whatever decision the court gives should be accepted. The court’s decision should not be questioned.”
Mohan Bhagwat further said, ‘It should not be like this that a new issue is raised every day. Why do we have to escalate the dispute. We have some faith in Gyanvapi, some traditions have been going on, but why should we see Shivling in every mosque. They also worship in a similar way. Even though the method has come from outside, but those Muslims who have adopted it do not have any connection with outsiders. They should also understand this.’
What is the controversy on which mosques?
Controversy Over Mosques: Key Points
- Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh
- The controversy centers around the 500-year-old ‘Shahi Jama Masjid’ in Sambhal, deemed an important heritage building by the government.
- Claims suggest the mosque was originally a ‘Hari Har Mandir,’ demolished and replaced by the mosque.
- Similar Claims in Other Locations
- Similar disputes have emerged in Varanasi, Mathura, and Dhar, alleging temples were replaced by mosques in these areas.
- Similar disputes have emerged in Varanasi, Mathura, and Dhar, alleging temples were replaced by mosques in these areas.
- Court-Ordered Survey
- A court ordered a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid to verify the claims.
- The first survey took place on 19 November 2024, without incident.
- Violence During Second Survey
- On 24 November 2024, during the ASI team’s second survey, violence broke out.
- The unrest resulted in the tragic deaths of 5 people, including 2 children.
- Escalating Tensions
- This incident has heightened tensions in the region.
- Residents fear the dispute could escalate further, causing widespread unrest.
Mosque-Temple Disputes in India: Key Highlights
1. Mosque-Temple Dispute in Badaun (Uttar Pradesh)
- Jama Masjid Shamsi: Claimed to be originally a ‘Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.’
- Court Proceedings: Hearing postponed from December 3 to December 10.
- Hindu vs. Muslim Side: Hindus claim it was a Shiva temple, Muslims assert it was always a mosque.
- ASI Involvement: Site claimed by the Archaeological Department; strict security deployed.
2. Controversy Over Ajmer Sharif (Rajasthan)
- Petitioner Claim: Ajmer Sharif Dargah was once a Shiva temple.
- Court Action: Notice sent to Dargah Committee, Ministry of Minority Affairs, and ASI on November 27.
- Demand: Survey of the site and cancellation of Dargah’s government registration.
- Public Debate: Mixed support and opposition across the country.
3. Mosque-Temple Dispute in Dhar (Madhya Pradesh)
- Bhojshala-Mosque: Hindus claim it was an 11th-century Saraswati temple; Muslims say it’s a mosque from the 14th century.
- ASI Findings: Remains of a temple discovered in a 149-page survey report submitted in July 2024.
- Current Status: Controlled by ASI; restricted worship allowed for both Hindus and Muslims, causing periodic tension.
4. Qutub Minar Dispute (Delhi)
- Claims: Hindu groups allege Qutub Minar was built after demolishing Hindu and Jain temples.
- Court Ruling: Claims dismissed as baseless by ASI and the court.
- Ownership Claim: Filed in 2022 by Kunwar Mahendra Dhwaj Pratap Singh, rejected due to lack of evidence and expiry of claim period.
5. Taj Mahal Controversy (Agra)
- Shiva Temple Claim: Some believe the Taj Mahal was originally ‘Tejo Mahalaya,’ a Shiva temple.
- Petition Dismissed: Allahabad High Court rejected a request to open closed rooms of the Taj Mahal in May 2022.
- Ownership Claims: BJP MP Diya Kumari and others have alleged ancestral ownership of the land.
RSS Stands Firm on Bhagwat’s Statement
The RSS has upheld Mohan Bhagwat’s earlier statement that there is no need to search for a Shivling under every mosque. BJP leader Atif Rashid reaffirmed that this stance remains valid today, emphasizing RSS’s alignment with the judicial process and its commitment to avoiding unnecessary controversies. He cited the Ayodhya verdict as an example of how such disputes can be resolved judicially, stressing that RSS’s principles of unity and sovereignty have remained consistent over decades.
SP Criticizes BJP’s Shift to Religious Agendas
Samajwadi Party spokesperson Azam Khan agreed with Bhagwat’s remarks but accused the BJP and RSS of exploiting religious disputes for political gains. He pointed out that the 1991 Places of Worship Act aims to prevent such controversies but criticized recent judicial actions, such as the Gyanvapi Mosque survey, for escalating tensions. Khan argued that the BJP has shifted from development-based politics to core Hindutva after electoral challenges, relying heavily on religious narratives for political success.
Congress Accuses RSS of Dual Standards
Congress leader Rashid Alvi alleged that the BJP and RSS project an image of harmony while perpetuating divisive politics. He claimed that temple-mosque disputes are used to manipulate Hindu sentiments for electoral advantage, referencing RSS literature as historically anti-Muslim. Alvi argued that such controversies distract from pressing issues and reflect the BJP’s intent to polarize society for political gains.
RSS Defends Its Stance on Historical Truths
An RSS pracharak clarified that Mohan Bhagwat’s statement was about avoiding unnecessary disputes, not abandoning claims on Hindu temples. He stated that evidence of temples destroyed by Mughal invaders should be investigated and acknowledged. The pracharak highlighted RSS’s commitment to truth, inclusivity, and the unity embodied in Sanatan Dharma, which respects diversity and aims to foster harmony.
Danger of Mixing Religion and Politics
Senior journalist Rashid Kidwai warned against the fusion of religion and politics, citing the Constitution’s intent to separate matters of faith from governance. He observed that modern organizations often prioritize political interests over constitutional values, using history selectively to suit their narratives. Kidwai emphasized the need for leaders to address such issues responsibly, focusing on long-term societal harmony rather than immediate political gains.
Balancing Historical Truth and Communal Harmony
While the RSS maintains its commitment to avoiding unnecessary temple-mosque disputes, critics argue that such controversies are often politically motivated. The debate highlights the importance of balancing respect for historical truths with the need to foster communal harmony in a diverse society like India.
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