Ajmer: A local court in Ajmer is hearing a contentious petition filed by Hindu Sena president Vishnu Gupta, claiming that the dargah of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz was constructed over a Shiva temple. The petition seeks a survey to “discover” the temple, sparking reactions from various stakeholders.
On Friday, five applications were submitted requesting to join the case as parties, including one by Zainul Abedin Ali Khan, the Deewan of the dargah, and another by the Anjuman Syedzadgan, the representative body of the shrine’s Khadims. Other individuals associated with the dargah also sought inclusion.
“The court has recorded these applications and scheduled the next hearing for January 24,” said Yogendra Ojha, counsel for the petitioner. He added that the Dargah Committee, Minority Affairs Ministry, and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have sought time to gather documents related to the claim of a pre-existing Shiva temple.
Representatives of the dargah strongly refuted the allegations. Nasiruddin Chishti, representing Deewan Zainul Abedin Ali Khan, emphasised the spiritual significance of the shrine and argued for its protection. Anjuman secretary Sarwar Chishti also underscored the need to defend the shrine against such claims.
Ajmer Dargah, built in the 13th century and later expanded by Mughal rulers, remains one of India’s most revered Sufi shrines, attracting devotees of all faiths. The petition has raised concerns about escalating tensions surrounding religious sites in the country.
