The cleaning of the Wazukhana area of the Gyanvapi Mosque commenced on Saturday with stringent security measures enforced by district officials. The Supreme Court had granted approval to an application from Hindu women petitioners, directing the cleaning of the entire ‘wazukhana’ area of the Gyanvapi mosque, where an alleged ‘Shivling’ was discovered, with an emphasis on maintaining hygienic conditions.
Under heavy police deployment, cleaning workers underwent identity checks before entering the mosque. Sudhir Tripathi, an advocate representing the Hindu side, stated, “We had demanded in the Supreme Court that the Wazukhana, which had become very dirty, should be cleaned. The order came on January 16, so today it is being cleaned. People from both sides will be present even today. The entire work will be done under the supervision of the District Magistrate.”
A meeting led by the District Magistrate took place in Varanasi on Thursday, involving representatives from both Hindu and Muslim sides, to discuss the cleaning process. The DM announced, “Cleaning of Wazukhana was ordered by the court. Talks have been held with both parties in that regard. Its cleaning will start from January 20.”
Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, an advocate representing the Hindu side in the Gyanvapi Shringar Gauri case, reported that the meeting was conducted peacefully, addressing the cleaning of the Wazukhana. He mentioned the presence of both sides, along with district officials, in the meetings.
The Supreme Court, comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra, directed that the ‘wazukhana’ area should be cleaned under the supervision of the district administration in Varanasi, in accordance with previous court orders.
The Gyanvapi mosque management committee expressed support for cleaning the sealed water tank, complying with the apex court’s orders for nearly two years. The ‘Wazukhana’ serves as the reservoir for ablutions before offering namaz.
The application submitted to the court highlighted the death of fishes in the water tank between December 12 to 25, 2023, leading to a putrid smell. It emphasized the need for cleanliness, especially around the sacred Shivlingam, which is significant to Hindus. The application stated, “Since there exists Shivlingam which is sacred to Hindus and should be kept away from all dirt, grime, dead animals, etc. and must be in clean condition, is currently in the midst of dead fish which is hurtful to the sentiments to the devotees of Lord Shiva.”