Mandya: The Narendra Modi Vichar Manch (NMVM) which believes the Jamia Masjid in Srirangapattana in the District built during Tipu Sultan’s regime was once a Hanuman Temple. Manch State Secretary C. T. Manjunath as part of delegation met the District Deputy Commissioner on Saturday May 14 and has submitted a memorandum to allow Hindus to offer pooja inside the Jamia Masjid.
According to Manjunath, there is documentary evidence of Tipu writing to a Persian ruler admitting that there was a Hanuman Temple in that place. Further, he asserts that the Hindu inscriptions on its pillar and walls substantiates their stand.
Hundreds of temples in the Mysuru District were demolished and mosques built during Tipu’s reign, said Kali mutt pontiff Rushi Kumara Swamiji. He also warned that a large procession of devotees be led to Jamia mosque to perform pooja for Anjaneya. Many historians, including the Archaeological Survey of India in 1935, stated that the temple was converted into a mosque, he added.
Masjid-i-Ala is situated inside the Srirangapattana Fort believed to be built during the Vijayanagar Empire and taken over by Tipu Sultan, while the mosque was built around 1782.
Moulvi Seyyed Gulzar Pasha said that he many Hindu friends. In Sriranga Patna, all communities live in peace. He stated that if it is a temple, they should bring proof.
In response to Hindu organisations’ demands, Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai suggested they may take up legal agitation. The government will act in accordance with the law.
Inputs from CI