Bharuch Jumma Masjid row intensifies over Jain idol claims

A controversy surrounding Bharuch’s historic Jumma Masjid has intensified after idols believed to be of Jain Tirthankar Lord Mallinath and other Jain deities were reportedly found during an inspection of the monument.

According to religious leaders associated with the issue, the Archaeological Department recently opened the basement of the mosque that had allegedly remained closed for 700 years. During the inspection, idols and other historical objects were discovered.

The dispute gained momentum after saints, including Sudarshan Nagaraj Baba and Muktanand Swami of Shankaracharya Math, visited the site. They claimed that statues of Lord Mahavir Swami and Chakradhar Swami can be seen near the entrance of the mosque. They also said that the carvings on the pillars and walls resemble the architectural style commonly found in Jain temples and other traditional Indian religious structures.

The controversy has been ongoing for the past six months and is expected to intensify further on June 15. Organisers claim that around 5,000 to 7,000 Jain devotees, members of Hindu organisations and saints from Gujarat and Maharashtra will gather in Bharuch. They plan to take out a large rally and submit a memorandum to the district administration seeking a detailed historical and archaeological investigation of the site.

Religious leaders have also raised questions about the management of the protected monument. They alleged that an illegal structure and graveyard had been set up within the premises. They further questioned in whose name the electricity meter was obtained and who had granted permission for the installation of a sound system and other electrical equipment inside the complex.

According to Muktanand Swami, the site was originally built as Samari Vihar by Sudarshana, the daughter of the King of Sri Lanka. He also claimed that a historic underground well and Islamic books were found within the complex. Religious leaders have demanded a scientific investigation of the well and other remains, saying it could provide more information about the site’s history.

Authorities have not yet responded in detail to the claims made by the religious leaders. The issue is expected to draw significant attention ahead of the proposed rally on June 15.