Gyanvapi Survey: The western wall is the only part of the already existing temple, 32 more evidence in favor of Hindus

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report filed in the court of the District Judge states that the western wall of Gyanvapi is the only part of the pre-existing temple. The structure of the Hindu temple was demolished and used to build the mosque in the Gyanvapi complex, but the western wall was used without any damage. After the demolition of the temple located here and before the construction of the mosque, parts of the western wall were modified to suit its new use.

The northern and southern corners of the western wall have also been altered. The plain stone slab at both corners is in sharp contrast to the molded wall surface of the pre-existing structure. ASI has described every inch of the western wall in its report and along with it, 32 more important evidences of Hindu temples have been found.

Volume-1 of the ASI report has an entire chapter on the Western Wall. It is said that Mason's marks have also been found on the roof above the stairs of the southern entrance. The blocked entrances to the North Hall and South Hall on the north-west and south-west sides have also undergone major structural changes. Both entrances were blocked with stone and mortar.

The architectural design of the entrance facades has also been destroyed. The report noted that the mural art on the western wall, created using bricks and lime mortar, is in stark contrast to the original architectural pattern of the pre-existing structure. The internal surfaces have been thickly lime-plastered, making it difficult to recognize the original features of the pre-existing structure.

Lack of space and security check post became a hindrance

The ASI report has revealed that the western chamber forms the northern and southern arms. The southern arm of the chamber could be traced to the west for some distance past the grill fence. Its western part could not be explored due to space constraints and the presence of a security checkpost.

32 truths of Gyanvapi in ASI report

The huge temple present in the complex had a large central hall. Its entrance was from the west, which was closed with stone masonry.

The main entrance to the central chamber was decorated with carvings of animals and birds and a decorative arch.

The carving on the frontal image of the entrance has been cut. Some parts have been covered with stone, brick and mortar.

In the basement, the remains of three chambers to the north, south, and west can also be seen, but the remains of the chamber are towards the east and beyond. Its expansion could not be ascertained, as the eastern area is covered with stone floors.

The Gyanvapi complex preserves the remains of sculptures and a large number of statues of Hindu deities.

The building had animal figures carved onto the pre-existing structure. These were not suitable for a 17th-century mosque, so they were removed, but the remains remain.

For the expansion of the mosque and the construction of the pillared verandah, some parts of the already existing temple like pillars, pillars, etc. have been used very little. Those that have been used have been changed as needed.

The western wall of the building (the remaining part of the pre-existing temple) is made of stone and is fully furnished.

The arched entrances to the north and south halls have been blocked and converted into halls. An inscription was found during the survey, which is similar to the Sanskrit language.

The stairs leading to the terrace at the northern entrance are still in use. While the south entrance leading to the terrace has been blocked with stone.

The art and architecture of any building not only indicate its date but also its nature. The Karna-Ratha and Prati-Ratha of the central chamber are visible on either side of the western direction.

The most important symbol is ‘Swastika’. Another big symbol is the 'Trishul' of Shiva. A stone with Shri Ram and Shiva written on it.

Also Read: Gyanvapi Case: 355-year-old dispute on the way to solution through survey report; Litigation going on in the court for 33 years