Shahi-Eidgah Mosque (Mathura)

India / Uttar Pradesh / Mathura
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Alamgir Aurangzeb had this mosque built on the grounds where once stood the ancient Govind Dev Temple.

The Mosque of Aurangzeb, built in 1669, on the site of the temple of Keshav Dev ji.

Destruction by emperor Shahjahan / Aurangzeb:
Murshid Ali Khan, the Governor of Mathura and Mahaban, were given instructions by Emperor Shahjahan in 1636 to stamp out idolatory. The climax of wanton destruction was, however, attained by Aurangzeb, the Oliver Cromwell of India, who, not content with demolishing the most sacred of the shrines, thought also to destroy the ancient name of the city by substituting for it Islampur or Islamabad.

In 1669, Aurangzeb descended in person on Mathura.; The temple specially marked out for destruction was one built recently in the reign of Jahangir, at a cost of thirty three lakhs by Bir Sinh Deva, Bundella of Ureha. This was the last of the famous shrines of Kesva Deva. Its demolition was regarded as a death blow to Hinduism. Maasir Alamgiri records : In a short time, with the help of numerous workmen this seat of error was utterly broken down. Glory be to God that so difficult an undertaking has been successfully accomplished in the present auspicious reign, wherein so many dens of heatherism and idolatory have been destroyed. Seeing the power of Islam and the efficacy of true religion, the proud Rajas felt their breath burning in their throats and became as dumb as a picture on a wall.

The idols, large and small alike, all adorned with costly jewels, were carried away from the heathen shrine and taken to Agra, where they were buried under the steps of Nawab Kudsia Begam's mosque, so that people might trample upon them for ever.

Reference: F S Growse
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   27°30'19"N   77°40'11"E

Comments

  • Hindu society and culture are faced with a crisis. There is a united front of entrenched alien forces — Islam, Christianity, Communism, Nehruism — to disrupt and discredit the perennial values of the Indian ethos. A new threat has developed in recent years in the shape of globalisation dominated by Western multinationals. All who care for India need to know what is happening, and what is to be done if a major tragedy is to be averted. In this fight for men’s minds, our only weapon is Truth. Truth must be told, as much about Hindu society and culture as about the alien ideologies which have been on the warpath against us since the days of foreign domination over the Hindu homeland.
  • alright. aurangzeb had destroyed thousands of temples in north india. he not only destroyed janambhumi of krishna g. he also destroyed many big temples of vrindavan. go to vrindavan and see urself govind dev g temple was destroyed by him. muslim had rulled india not for 800 years. but from 1528 to 1705. except akbar all the muslim rulers forces indian to follow zizya. accorindg to it no temple can be build and repaired. and followers of any other religion except islam have to pay taxes on there pillgrimage. we shud not be partial towards hindus or muslims. let ASI do all the research and excavation. if it get proves that mosques were build on temple foundation. than govt shud destroy these illegal buildings build on temples. other wise let our muslim brothers pray there.
  • this is all propaganda to against Muslims communities (before British India & at now RSS) just think if a really moguls ruler demolish temple they will hole demolish or ragger, but actual they ruler tray to keep all nation people keep one god (hum sab ek hai .. Bhagwan Krishna & Allah Elahi ) one religious' place, one think my friends" this is not any father or private property, this is hole place one god, Eshwar or Allah . ONE SIDE PUJA & ONE SIDE PRAYER , FRIST WE ARE ALL INDIAN ,, JAI HIND
  • People should unite and reclaim. Ram Janam Bhoomi, Krishna JanamBhoomi, Vishwanath Temple Varanasi and many others belongs to Hindus and should have them.
  • Dear Friends, This information is based upon facts and history written by British collector of that time. The area was known as Kesopur (somewhere current Chowkbazar to Bank Colony) and Raja Bundela Bir Singh Dev has erected abeutiful temple by spenting 33 lac (or 3 lac) Rs that time (period of Jahangir). During Shanjahan period when figt for throne between Aurangzeb & brothers was about to happen that time Hasan Ali Khan (1669) was governor of Mathura during his incumbency the great temple of Keshava Dev was destroyed. Later Raja Patni Mall of Banaras purchased land and contribute to erect current temple. Even according to ASI report the temple platform (Chabutara) was used as it is to erect Mosque.
  • Hey everybody, Be 21st century humans. We have science for proving that on a structure, what was before a mosque or any other religious structure? This is my suggestion to all just and wise Muslim Brothers, please read history being neutral. If you read it being a Muslim you would not understand some aspects. Wherever there is a doubt regarding the structure, let the archaeologists find what is true? Government would allow Muslim archaeologists also in the team, to ensure there should not be any discrimination. When the archaeological science proves that it was a virgin land on which the mosque was built, the Muslims can be proud and walk with dignity. If the science proves that Mosque was built on another religion's Temple, than Muslim brothers have opportunity of returning it to the original Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, Christian or Zoroastrians and show that if there is any mistake from their ancestors, than they are willing to solve it being a responsible, good and caring Muslim. If even after proof, the Muslim or any other community people refuses to balance the Justice. Than every body knows that the almighty Eeshwar, Allah or God is going to punish such unjust people. Whatever the way of punishing may be. That would be the almighty's wish and all humans should try to fulfill that. Remember: the almighty is always on the side which is just, the side which is on the side of justice. Thank you.
  • Whatever be the facts of history & findings of Archaeology, this is not a place or forum for argument for or against by both sides. Apart from the conversion, in the pre Mogul Rules or invasions, the fact is that both were once brothers to each other. And the Indian muslim is unable to change the inherited Islam culture as followed by their fore fathers even if the archaeological findings proves the new construction upon the demolished one. This is mainly a geographical site. Let us all concentrate on its geographical aspects. There are websites (including Youtube, National Geographics, Discovery, BBC) where the subjects of controversy may be discussed under comments. NOT here please! Any more comments of personal fights & differences between Races & Religions will be deleted
  • Mr. Farid, Be 21st century humans. We have science for proving that on a structure, what was before a mosque or any other religious structure? This is my suggestion to all just and wise Muslim Brothers, please read history being neutral. If you read it being a Muslim you would not understand some aspects. Wherever there is a doubt regarding the structure, let the archaeologists find what is true? Government would allow Muslim archaeologists also in the team, to ensure there should not be any discrimination. When the archaeological science proves that it was a virgin land on which the mosque was built, the Muslims can be proud and walk with dignity. If the science proves that Mosque was built on another religion's Temple, than Muslim brothers have opportunity of returning it to the original Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, Christian or Zoroastrians and show that if there is any mistake from their ancestors, than they are willing to solve it being a responsible, good and caring Muslim. If even after proof, the Muslim or any other community people refuses to balance the Justice. Than every body knows that the almighty Eeshwar, Allah or God is going to punish such unjust people. Whatever the way of punishing may be. That would be the almighty's wish and all humans should try to fulfill that. Remember: the almighty is always on the side which is just, the side which is on the side of justice. Thank you.
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This article was last modified 11 years ago