Gyanvapi-Vyas Ji Tahkhana | Make Arrangements For 'Puja/Raga-Bhoga' Of Idols Inside Mosque's Southern Cellar: Varanasi Court To DM

Today, the Varanasi District Judge directed the District Administration to make appropriate arrangements within 7 days for Hindus to conduct worshipping rituals inside one of the sealed cellars/basement/tahkhana (vyas ji ka tehkhana) inside the existing Gyanvapi mosque complex. Worship at this spot was stopped in the year 1993.

The matter relates to 'Somnath Vyas' tehkhana inside Gyanvapi Mosque premises. Until 1993, the Vyas family conducted religious ceremonies in the basement. However, in compliance with a directive from the state government, the religious practices were discontinued.

It may be noted that the Varanasi District administration had taken over the possession of the southern cellar within the Gyanvapi mosque complex on January 24. On January 17, the District Judge made the DM a receiver.

The operative part of the order reads thus:

"District Magistrate, Varanasi / receiver is directed to get puja, raga-blog performed of idols located in the southern cellar of #GyanvapiMosque (suit property), through a priest nominated by Kashi Vishwanath Trust Board & plaintiff. For this purpose, make proper arrangements of iron fencing etc. in 7 days"

The order was passed in an application moved by Hindu plaintiffs seeking the right to worship in the 'tehkhana' (basement) inside the Gyanvapi Mosque premises.