The Gujarat High Court is currently hearing a petition concerning the historic Jama Masjid in Bharuch, which the petitioners contend was originally an ancient Jain temple known as Ashvavabodha Tirtha or Shakunika Vihar, dedicated to Bhagwan Munisuvrata Swami, the 20th Jain Tirthankara.
Filed by Hari Shankar Jain, Rahul Diwan, and others, the petition relies on centuries-old Jain literature, historical archives, British-era gazetteers, and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) records dating back to 1896, 1897, and 1909 to argue that the existing structure was built using original pillars, sculptures, and architectural elements from earlier Hindu and Jain temples.
During the recent court proceedings, the ASI acknowledged that idols of a Jain Tirthankara were indeed found within the structure currently identified as a mosque. The petition notes that the site was declared a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, which prohibits altering the original character of protected structures. They have sought directions to safeguard the religious artefacts, recognise the site's original character, and permit traditional Jain worship. AM