Saints Stage Hunger-strike to Protest against Jama Masjid at Bharuch (Gujarat)

• Claim Jama Masjid as the erstwhile Jain Mandir and land of Chakradhar Swami

• Illegal construction on a protected site by ASI  

Bharuch (Gujarat) – All India Sant Samiti has started agitations to protest against Jama Masjid which is in front of Pioneer School. The Saints have claimed that there was an ancient Jain Mandir at this place and it is the birthplace of Chakradhar Swami. This structure has been a national monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI); still all rules have been violated to erect the illegal structure. The Superintendent of Police (SP) of Bharuch took a note of this issue and reached the site. He had discussions with the officers of ASI and representatives of the Sant Samiti, assuring them to hold survey. All India Sant Samiti staged a ‘sit-in’ protest at Shaktinath Maidan. Saints warned to go on hunger strike and not drink even water till ASI doesn’t take strict action.

In 1905, ASI took over this site and declared it as a protected monument. The Sant Samiti has, however, alleged that the construction is carried out violating all rules to alter its original historical identity. All India Sant Samiti’s President Saint Avichal Devachari stated that it is a historical heritage place and there is no other religious or cultural symbol at this site.

Concept of live monuments

Saint Swami Muktanand stated during agitations that there are around 3,800 monuments under the protection of ASI. Out of them, around 820 are known as ‘live monuments’. It is illegal to even fix a peg on the walls of such live monuments. A ‘Vajukhana (place to wash hands/feet before namaz)’ has been built in this Jama Masjid. Material like fans, lights, boards and things related to madarasa have been stored on the premises. He alleged that all these things are against law. He added that permission is granted to perform ‘puja’ or ‘namaz’ only once in a week at such live monuments under the law.

Survey to start within two days

Swami Muktanand informed that no action was taken despite submitting an application; therefore, hunger strike was staged for indefinite period since 05.01.2026. After which, the administration took immediate note of the matter. SP Akshay Raj mediated to hold a meeting between the ASI officers and Sant Samaj. They have promised to take action on every point. The temporary arrangements at the site will be removed in 8-10 days while the permanent fixtures will be removed in the next two months. The survey will start within 2-3 days and a few representatives of Sant Samaj will participate in this process.