Trespassing the Sacred Grounds: The Unforgivable Encroachment of Hindu Lands
In the annals of history, we find a dark chapter that bears witness to the ruthless assault on Hinduism's sacred sites and revered universities. The echoes of barbarity reverberate, as we recall the haunting tales of destruction—seventeen times did the mighty Somnath temple fall victim to relentless obliteration. The Gyanvapi mosque, a solemn symbol of power usurped, stands as a sombre reminder of the conquering ambitions of Islamic expansionists. Mathura's Shahi Eidgah Masjid built on once a beacon of spiritual solace, Shri Krishna Janmasthan which was desecrated by the march of intolerance. And above all, the heart-wrenching pinnacle of this tragic saga—the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya—serves as a chilling testament to the unforgiving tides of history. Let us not forget the twenty-six universities, once beacons of knowledge, ruthlessly conquered and silenced under their relentless conquests. These tales of agony and loss resonate deeply, reminding us of the price paid by faith and wisdom in the face of unbridled zeal.
A lesser-known instance of destruction pertains to the Trimbakeshwar jyotirlinga, which has received relatively limited discussion. The perpetrator behind this act was none other than Aurangzeb, whose actions following the killing of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in 1689 further intensified the already prevalent oppression under the Mughal rule. In 1690, Aurangzeb issued orders for the desecration of several temples in Maharashtra, including Trimbakeshwar, as part of a deliberate effort to suppress the religious fervour associated with the Maratha empire. Historical records, such as the annual newsletters compiled by K N Sane, as referenced in Jadunath Sarkar's book 'A Short History of Aurangzeb,' provide evidence of these temple demolitions. However, in a notable turn of events, the Trimbakeshwar temple was restored by the then Peshwa – Nanasaheb in 1754, who ordered the removal of the mosque that had been erected on the site.
You might question the relevance of this discussion in the current period. Well, it is very much relevant in the current times. In recent times, an unsettling incident occurred at the Trimbakeshwar temple, where a group of Muslims attempted to enter and perform their rituals inside the temple....
