A Significant Step Towards Protecting Hindu Religious Rights! – Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh
Hindu devotees have achieved a significant legal victory in the Kanifnath Maharaj Devasthan (Guha, Tal. Rahuri, Dist. Ahilyanagar) case. The Sambhajinagar Bench of the Bombay High Court has issued a show-cause notice to the Maharashtra Waqf Board and certain Muslim groups regarding their claims over the temple site. In this case, Advocate (Pujya) Suresh Kulkarni of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti effectively argued on behalf of the Guha Gram Panchayat, local functionaries, and devotees associated with the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh. The Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh has welcomed the court’s decision, calling it a crucial step in protecting Hindu religious rights.
Background of the Case : Sant Kanifnath Maharaj, a revered saint of the Nath sect, undertook intense penance and meditation at Guha in Rahuri taluka. This sacred site has been a place of faith for Hindu devotees, where worship, aarti, and religious rituals have been conducted for generations. However, certain Muslim groups, along with the Maharashtra Waqf Board, have laid claim to the site, calling it “Hazrat Baba Ramzan Shah Dargah.” Allegedly, revenue records were manipulated to falsely establish Muslim ownership of the temple premises.
Injustice Against Hindu Devotees : Hindu devotees have faced multiple restrictions and hostilities at the site, Worship and religious rituals on Thursdays were obstructed. Full moon (Purnima) celebrations were attempted to be curtailed. Priests were threatened and attacked. Attempts were made to forcibly evict Hindu devotees from their sacred site. In response, the Guha Gram Panchayat and Hindu devotees jointly filed a petition (Civil Review Application No. 47/2025) before the Sambhajinagar Bench of the Bombay High Court.
Their petition sought : The removal of restrictions on worship at the Kanifnath Maharaj temple. The annulment of unauthorized entries in revenue records by Muslim groups. The restoration of Hindu devotees’ right to practice their faith freely. Taking cognizance of the matter, Justice S.G. Chapalgaonkar directed the Maharashtra Waqf Board and concerned Muslim groups to respond to the show-cause notice.
Significance of the Court Order : This development is seen as a major success in safeguarding Hindu religious sites. If further legal steps lead to the removal of fraudulent revenue records and unjust restrictions, Hindu devotees will once again be able to worship at Kanifnath Maharaj Devasthan without fear or obstruction. The Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh urges all devout citizens to remain vigilant and take a firm stand in protecting the sanctity of Hindu temples.
