Rediscovering Spiritual Spaces: Pujas Return to the Knowledge Oasis Mosque in Varanasi

Rediscovering Spiritual Spaces:  In a remarkable turn of events, after a hiatus of 31 years, worship and rituals have resumed at the Knowledge Oasis Mosque in Varanasi. On Thursday morning, devotees flocked to the premises for prayer and worship. Varanasi’s district court provided a significant relief to the Hindu community on Wednesday, January 31, granting them the right to perform religious ceremonies in the mosque’s vicinity.

A Legal Victory for Devotees

The court directed the Varanasi District Magistrate to facilitate the worship arrangements through a priest nominated by the Hindu faction and the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust. On January 17, the district court appointed a receiver, instructing them to ensure the security of the premises and prevent any alterations to it. Under the leadership of Additional District Magistrate Prakash Chandra on January 24, the district administration team converted the mosque into a receiver, taking it under their custody.

District Magistrate S. Rajalingam affirmed compliance with the court’s orders, stating, “The court’s orders have been adhered to.”

A Conversation with the District Magistrate

Speaking to the media about granting permission for Hindu worshippers to perform rituals in the “Vyasa’s Mosque,” Varanasi’s District Magistrate, S. Rajalingam, shed light on the matter. Questions arose about removing barricades in front of the enclosure where Nandi Maharaj stands. In response, he remarked, “We are following the orders of the court.” Presently, security around the Knowledge Oasis premises has been intensified. A devotee, expressing joy after receiving permission for worship, said, “We are extremely pleased and emotional about the court’s decision. Our happiness knows no bounds.”

Ovaisi Expresses Displeasure over the Court’s Decision

Asaduddin Owaisi, Chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), expressed reservations about the Varanasi court’s decision. He commented that Wednesday was the last day in office for the retiring judge. The receiver was appointed on January 17, and the entire case had already been decided. He argued that this was a clear violation of the Places of Worship Act. Owaisi emphasized that such occurrences would persist until the government breaks its silence on this act.

The AIMIM chief remarked, “You are stating that nothing happened there after 1993. There should have been a 30-day period for an appeal. The permission granted for worship in the mosque’s enclosure is entirely incorrect.” He even went on to suggest that a repeat of the events of December 6 might transpire. It’s noteworthy that on December 6, 1992, the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was demolished.