Demand for Lakshman Temple Rises in Lucknow Amid Teele Wali Mosque Dispute
Following a court ruling dismissing the Muslim side’s claim over Teele Wali Mosque, the demand for a Lakshman temple in Lucknow gains momentum. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hints at new developments as the dispute over the historical site continues.
After the emergence of Shri Ram in the 2024 elections, it appears that Lakshman ji has now arrived on the scene, and Yogi Adityanath has received the next task. Until now, Chief Minister Yogi has been discussing preparations for Mathura following Ayodhya and Kashi. However, the demand for a Lakshman temple in Lucknow is gaining momentum, as the court has dismissed the Muslim side's claim regarding Tila Wali Masjid. The Muslim side had argued that Tila Wali Masjid was historically their land.
Court Ruling and Subsequent Reactions
Following the court's order, the Hindu side asserts that the court has recognized the land as belonging to Hindus and is now calling for a survey of the site. The next court hearing is scheduled for July 11. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath indirectly commented on the court's decision, stating, “You will see the shining Ayodhya of the time of Lord Ram. Today, all the structures of slavery have been removed there.”
The issue now is whether the structures of slavery will also be removed from Lucknow. With a grand Ram temple already established in Ayodhya, the focus might shift to Lucknow, similar to the controversies in Kashi and Mathura. The Hindu and Muslim sides have been embroiled in a legal battle over Teele Wali Mosque in Lucknow, located just 1.5 km from the Vidhan Sabha Bhawan.
Laxman Tila and Teele Wali Masjid
As its name suggests, Teele Wali Masjid is situated on a mound, which is why it is referred to as such. The Hindu Mahasabha claims that this mound was originally Laxman Tila, also known as Shesh Gufa. They argue that the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, infamous for his actions in Kashi and Mathura, targeted this site, and that he ordered the demolition of the Laxman temple in the 16th century, replacing it with a mosque.
According to mythology, Lucknow was once known as Laxmanpur, named after Shri Ram's brother Laxman, believed to be an incarnation of Sheshnag. It is said that when Shri Ram returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, he granted a portion of the Awadh region to Laxman, which became known as Laxmanpur or Lakhanpur. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath himself refers to Lucknow as Laxmanpur.
Future Implications
Two years ago, Yogi Adityanath tweeted during PM Modi's visit to Lucknow, referring to the city as the holy city of Laxmanji. The question now is whether Lucknow will be Yogi's next focus after Kashi and Mathura. The ongoing dispute between Teele Wali Masjid and Laxman Teele is currently in the District Court of Lucknow, with the Muslim side alleging that there is a deliberate effort to escalate the controversy over Teele Wali Masjid.