Synopsis
The Hindu Sena has pledged support for the demand made by Ajmer Dargah Diwan Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khan for Ajmer Dargah to be officially recognized as a Jain pilgrimage site, emphasizing historical significance and promoting communal harmony.Key Takeaways
- Hindu Sena supports the request for Ajmer Dargah as a Jain pilgrimage site.
- Diwan acknowledged Jain temples once existed at the Dargah site.
- Recognition could enhance India's religious and cultural heritage.
- Ajmer is historically significant for both Jain and Hindu traditions.
- Promoting communal harmony across all communities is vital.
Jaipur, Feb 5 (NationPress) The Hindu Sena expressed its support on Wednesday for the appeal made by Ajmer Dargah Diwan Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khan to officially designate the historic shrine as a Jain pilgrimage site.
“At least he (Diwan) has recognized that this is a Jain pilgrimage site. He has also acknowledged that Jain temples once existed in this location,” stated Vishnu Gupta, a member of the Hindu Sena, who had earlier filed a petition asserting that a Shiva temple was formerly situated at the Dargah site.
Previously, Khan had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to proclaim the Ajmer Dargah as a national Jain pilgrimage site.
In his correspondence to the Prime Minister, Diwan emphasized that India is a land of diverse religions and a rich spiritual heritage. He also pointed out that Ajmer is significant as it houses the esteemed Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti, a center of devotion for followers globally, along with being the pilgrimage site of Lord Brahma in Pushkar, which adds to its historical and religious value.
“February 6 marks the death anniversary of Acharya 108 Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj, a venerated Jain spiritual leader known for his asceticism, sacrifice, and humanitarian efforts. Ajmer shares a profound connection with Acharya Shri, and therefore, it should be officially recognized as a Jain pilgrimage site,” stated the Dargah Diwan.
He argued that such recognition would serve as a fitting tribute to Acharya Shri's legacy and enhance India’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, he asserted that granting Ajmer the status of a national Jain pilgrimage site would promote communal harmony and religious unity, not only among Jains but across all communities.
In response to Diwan’s statement, Vishnu Gupta reiterated: “My petition highlights that an ancient temple was located inside the Dargah. Jain temples were also present, and the Dargah was constructed after they were demolished. Now, the Dargah Diwan himself has requested that Ajmer be designated as a Jain pilgrimage site. The government must act judiciously and formally recognize it as such. The Hindu Sena is fully on board with this demand.”
Gupta further maintained that Ajmer was historically a pilgrimage site, asserting that Pushkar is home to the world’s only Brahma temple.
He remarked that if Ajmer were declared a Jain pilgrimage site, Hindus would welcome the decision, as it would bolster their position regarding the temple claims.
“We appreciate and thank Dargah Diwan for his recognition. In time, it will also be uncovered that the Sankat Mochan temple of Lord Shiva and Jain temples were dismantled to construct the Dargah,” Gupta concluded.
