Bharuch mosque religious identity dispute

A legal dispute has emerged regarding the religious identity of the 700-year-old Jami Masjid in Bharuch, Gujarat. Petitioners from the Jain community have approached the Gujarat High Court, claiming the site was originally a Jain pilgrimage center known as ‘Ashvabodh Tirth and Shakunika Vihar’.

The petitioners argue that the structure’s identification in a 1909 Gazette was incorrect and cite architectural features and ancient literature to support their claims. A central part of the petition involves the reported presence of an idol of Lord Mallinath in the building’s basement, which petitioners seek to protect from damage.

Following the initial petition, the Gujarat High Court directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and central authorities to respond. The court has since ordered the ASI to conduct an investigation into the claims. While the mosque continues to function as a place of worship with daily prayers, the legal action seeks formal recognition of the site as a Jain temple and the right to perform worship there.