The ASI report concluded that it can be said there existed a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure, that is the mosque. “The western wall of the Gyanvapi mosque existing structure is the remaining part of a pre-existing Hindu temple. “Minute study of the pillars and pilasters in corridor suggests that they were originally part of the pre-existing Hindu temple. “Three names of deities such as Janardhana, Rudra, and Umsvara are found in these inscriptions,” the ASI report stated. The Varanasi court, in July last year, had directed the ASI to conduct the scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises to ascertain if any Hindu temple had existed beneath the mosque or not.

Source: The Hindu January 26, 2024 14:30 UTC