The videography survey of the Gyanvapi Masjid complex in Varanasi, which was carried out for the third consecutive day, concluded on Monday. Survey work was being done in Gyanvapi Masjid of Varanasi from 8 am on the third day today. According to sources, during this time Swastik and Om’s marks and a big tank have been found. However, the pond was not been found. Along with this, the figures made in the walls were not visible as they were painted. A basement has also been found, which was been tried to cover with garbage. Yesterday the employees of the corporation had gone inside to work there. But, because of the heat, came out early. The survey team had completed about 65 per cent of the work till Sunday. The roof and dome were to be videographed on the third day of the Gyanvapi survey. 4 out of 5 cellars was been been surveyed. The report is to be presented in the court after the completion of the survey work by May 17. But in the meantime, a dispute arose over the pond near the Vazukhana in the mosque yesterday.
The survey team left the site at around 10:30 am on Monday. Around 65 per cent of the survey was completed till Sunday. The mosque is located close to the iconic Kashi Vishwanath temple and the local court is hearing a plea by a group of women seeking permission for daily prayers before the idols on its outer walls.
Asserting that the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple was built over 2000 years ago, it is claimed that the Gyanvapi Mosque was constructed after the temple was demolished by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1669. The present case pertains to a petition filed seeking permission for daily worship and observance of rituals of Goddess Shringar Gauri, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and Nandi located at the back of the western wall of the Gyanvapi mosque. The Varanasi court allowed the videographic survey of the mosque premises. Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar ruled that the court commissioner will have to submit a report in this regard by May 17. While the court refused to remove court commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra, who was appointed as an additional court commissioner- Vishal Singh.
Varanasi Police Commissioner stated, “We spoke with all stakeholders and reached a consensus that it’s important to follow court’s order. We also cleared people’s misconceptions, worked on confidence building. The 3-day survey has ended. We thank the people of Kashi for their cooperation.”
