Gyanvapi mosque-Kashi Vishwanath temple title dispute

On September 9, 2021 the Allahabad High Court put hold on the order of Varanasi court that had asked for a ‘comprehensive archaeological physical survey’ of the disputed Gyanvapi mosque-kashi Vishwanath temple complex.

Highlights:

While staying the order of Varanasi court, Allahabad High Court (HC) underlined that HC “can interfere to keep subordinate tribunals & Courts ‘within the bounds of their authority’.

Background:

Petition was filed by UP Sunni Waqf Board and Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Varanasi, to challenge the April 8 order of the Varanasi court. However, Justice Prakash Padia ordered a stay on petitions. This miscellaneous application filed by Sunni Waqf Board was part of a writ petition that was being heard on complex dispute in Allahabad High Court. Allahabad HC had reserved the order on March 15 after the completion of arguments in this matter.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

It is one among the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Vishwanath Gali of Varanasi. It stands on the western bank of the river Ganga. It is one among the twelve Jyotirlingas. Main deity in the temple is known by the names Shri Vishwanath and Vishweshwara which literally means Lord of the Universe.

Why it is known as Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

In ancient times, Varanasi city was called as Kashi. Hence this temple is popularly called Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Background:

This Temple has been referred as a central part of worship in the Shaiva Philosophy in Hindu scriptures for a very long time. It is claimed that, this temple had been demolished many times in ancient time. Current structure of the temple was built in 1780, on an adjacent site by Maratha ruler, Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore.