Bharuch: The controversy surrounding the historic Jama Masjid in Bharuch has taken a fresh turn. Following claims that ancient idols were found in the mosque’s basement and the circulation of related videos and photographs on social media, the Jain community has now entered the debate alongside several Hindu organisations.

Jain saints and community leaders have asserted that the site where the Jama Masjid currently stands was once an important and ancient Jain pilgrimage centre known as ‘Samadi Vihar’ (Shakunika Vihar). They claim the location is associated with three significant Jain pilgrimage sites and have called for a scientific and impartial archaeological survey of the entire premises.

The controversy began after videos and photographs purportedly showing the basement of the Jama Masjid went viral on social media. Based on the content shared online, claims were made that ancient idols of Lord Mallinath, the 19th Jain Tirthankara, along with idols of Hindu deities and architectural remains, were present inside the basement.

As the videos gained traction, various religious and social organisations began questioning the historical significance and authenticity of the site.

Speaking on the issue, Jain saint Rajsundervijayji Maharaj outlined three important Jain pilgrimage sites associated with Bharuch and the disputed location. As per the claims of the Jain community, Lord Munisuvratswami, the 20th Tirthankara, visited Bharuch to impart spiritual knowledge to a horse that had been his friend in a previous birth. Owing to this legend, Bharuch came to be known as Ashwabodha Tirtha.

The saint also stated that in ancient times, sages and ascetics would visit Bharuch to perform penance and seek atonement for their actions. They would undertake religious austerities and worship Lord Munisuvratswami, giving the place significance as a Prayashchit Tirtha.

Furthermore, the most significant claim relates to Samadi Vihar. According to Jain folklore, a bird named Samadi was struck by a hunter’s arrow in the forests of Bharuch. Jain monks passing through the area are said to have recited the Navkar Mahamantra to the dying bird, enabling it to attain spiritual liberation.

The legend further states that the bird was reborn as a princess in Lanka. Upon gaining knowledge of her previous birth, she returned to Bharuch and used her wealth to establish a grand Jain pilgrimage centre, which later became known as Samadi Vihar or Shakunika Vihar.

Demand for Scientific Archaeological Survey

Representatives of the Jain community said they sought permission to inspect the basement of the mosque to verify historical claims but were not allowed access by the mosque trust and members of the Muslim community.

Jain leaders allege that several new constructions have been carried out at the site over the years, altering its original archaeological and historical character. They further claimed that objections had previously been raised by the Archaeological Department regarding certain constructions, but no concrete action followed.

As a result, the community is now demanding a comprehensive, scientific and impartial archaeological survey of the entire site.

Meanwhile, leaders of the Jama Masjid Trust and members of the Muslim community have dismissed the allegations, calling them misleading and potentially harmful to communal harmony.

Representatives of the trust met the district collector and submitted a memorandum, alleging that false videos and photographs were being circulated on social media to hurt religious sentiments. They urged the administration to take strict legal action against those responsible.

The controversy has now become a major topic of discussion across Bharuch and other parts of Gujarat. However, experts say that any conclusions regarding such sensitive historical claims should be based on archaeological evidence, historical records, manuscripts and scientific research. DeshGujarat