Ayodhya, Mathura, and Varanasi: The Cultural Nexus of India

Unveiling the Millennia-Old Struggles in Ayodhya

In the heart of Ayodhya unfolds a saga of five centuries of struggle, reverberating before the eyes of the world. Devotees of Lord Rama have found solace in their beloved deity. Every day, hundreds of devotees flock to catch a glimpse of their revered Lord Rama, while the echoes of “Har Har Mahadev” resonate in the knowledgeable city. Following the court’s verdict, the devotees of Lord Shiva have gained the right to worship their deity. Meanwhile, in Mathura, awaits the sacred land of Lord Krishna’s birth. Today, in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered an extensive speech. However, amidst his words and gestures, he couldn’t refrain from speaking about the issues of Mathura and Varanasi, likening the current political landscape to the epic Mahabharata.

Echoes of the Past: Drawing Parallels with the Mahabharata

“We have merely asked for places,” remarked CM Yogi, drawing a comparison with the tale of the Mahabharata, where the Pandavas sought only five villages from Duryodhana, which he refused to grant. “We have only asked for three places,” reiterated CM Yogi, referring to Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Mathura. He emphasized that these places hold special significance for Hindus and any disrespect towards their sanctity would be unprecedented in the world.

Longing for Lord Krishna’s Arrival

He expressed his belief that the ongoing developments should have occurred soon after India’s independence in 1947. “We have only asked for three places. There are no issues with other places,” he stated firmly. CM Yogi highlighted the festivities in Ayodhya, where devotees broke barricades at night, echoing Nandi Baba’s question, “Why should we wait?”. He pondered, “Where are our beloved Krishna Kanhaiya to be acknowledged?”

Ayodhya: A Non-Negotiable Stand by CM Yogi

From CM Yogi’s statements, it’s evident that without the inclusion of Varanasi and Mathura, Ayodhya’s resolution is improbable. It’s also apparent that CM Yogi has made preparations for Varanasi and Mathura. It’s speculated that due to constitutional responsibilities, the Yogi government might not overtly present itself in this matter, but it won’t step back from fostering this entire movement.

Significance of Varanasi and Mathura

Delving into Mathura, it holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna. It’s believed that the site where the Shahi Eidgah Mosque stands today was once the prison of Kansa, where Lord Krishna was born. Later, a temple was built on that site, which was demolished and replaced with a mosque during Aurangzeb’s reign.

Turning to Varanasi, its mention can be found even in the Skanda Purana. Legend has it that Lord Shiva resided there. In ancient times, many foreign travelers visiting India also mentioned the grand Vishwanath Temple in Kashi, attracting pilgrims from various parts of the country. Despite Aurangzeb’s orders to demolish the temple, it stood as a symbol of resilience.

The Krishna Janmabhoomi-Eidgah Dispute: Unraveling the Tangle

The Hindu side accuses the Muslim side of demolishing the temple to construct the mosque in Mathura. They claim that the walls of the mosque bear the serpent symbol and the revenue records list the entire land under the name of the temple trust. The Hindu demand is to vacate the Shahi Eidgah Mosque and hand over the land for the construction of the grand Krishna temple.

Genesis of the Eidgah Dispute

This entire issue is entwined with the ownership rights of 13.37 acres of land. In 1968, there was a settlement between the Janmasthan Seva Sangh and the Eidgah Trust. 10.9 acres were allocated to the Krishna Janmabhoomi, leaving 2.5 acres for the Shahi Eidgah. The Hindu side argues that the Janmasthan Seva Sangh had no right to allocate the temple land to anyone, hence, the settlement should be revoked, and the disputed area should be given to the temple premises.