VIDEO: Puja starts in Vyasji Ka Tehkhana in Gyanvapi mosque complex, 30 years after Mulayam Singh Yadav locked it

Varanasi: After the order of the Varanasi District Court, a special 'Mangala Aarti' of the deities was performed by the priests inside the basement situated on the south side of Gyanvapi complex on Thursday, official sources said.

Sources said that the 'puja' in the basement started from Wednesday night itself which was performed by the priests.

Talking to the reporters District Magistrate S Rajalingam said puja has been started inside the southern cellar of Gyanvapi complex by priests appointed by Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust Board in compliance with the court's order.

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STORY | Hours after court orders, prayers performed in cellar of Gyanvapi mosque

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A senior police officer said that proper security arrangements were made in the wake of the district court orders allowing puja inside the southern cellar of Gyanvapi complex.

It may be noted that the District Court on Wednesday had directed the Varanasi District Magistrate to make arrangements for worship of idols seated inside the basement situated on the south side of Gyanvapi complex.

The court of District Judge Ajay Krishna Vishvesha gave the order in the case of Shailendra Kumar Pathak versus Committee of Management, Anjuman Intezamia Committee and others.

The court ordered, "District Magistrate Varanasi and Receiver is directed to make arrangements for puja, Raag-Bhog of idols located in the basement on the south side of the building of settlement plot number 9130, which is the suit property, by a priest named by the plaintiff and the Kashi Vishwanath Trust Board Get the puja, raga-bhog performed and make proper arrangements of iron fence within 7 days for this purpose."