Thread by @HarduttSuhas

Vijay Mandir or what is officially known as Bija Mandal m0sque in ASI records
#FreeHinduTemples

(Thread)

This temple was demolished many times. By Iltutmish, Malik Kufar under Alauddin Khalji, Mahmud Khalji of Malwa and Bahudarshah of Gujarat. It was rebuilt every time.(1)

In 1682, under Aurangzeb, the upper part of temple was destroyed and a mosque constructed on the plinth using the pillars, plasters and lintels from temple ruins.(2)

The m0sque stood there for over 300 years until heavy rains that year brought down the dilapidated m0sque structure exposing old temple ruins. A small one room functioning m0sque still stands in the corner of the temple premises.(3)

The dimensions of the original Vijay temple premises were colossal. 800 metres in length and over 300 feet in height with its kalash visible from afar.(4)

Constructed in the 11th century during the reign of Paramara dynasty, one of the pillars still stands which has an inscription of Naravarman who ruled Malwa from 1094 to 1133 AD.(5)

In the temple premises, there is a beautiful baoli which leads to a large circular well where there is water at all times. Two small pillars in front of the baoli have scenes from Krishna leela inscribed on them.(6)

Kirtimukhas or lion faced motifs usually present on temple entrances to ward off evil spirits have been excavated from this site.(7)

These date back to the 8th century. Before the main temple complex was completed, fusing all the older structures into one huge structure there used to be a number of smaller temples at the same site.(8)

King Naravarman’s inscription in the temple is devoted to worshipping goddess Charchika (Chamunda). The temple is dedicated to sun god, Bhillasvamin. Vidisha is also known as Bhilsa.(9)

The temple was built in a style called bhumjia, developed by the Parmars. The Bhumija shikhara based on a stellate plan is divided into quadrants by 4 offsets. Each offset has 5 rows of miniature shrines or towers called aedicule.(10)

The hall had 3 entrances from east, north and south. It seems there was western entrance too. The whole complex including seven subsidiary shrines is placed on a high broad platform. The temple probably was a panchayatana having 5 shrines.(11)

The temple was demolished and parts were used to assemble the m0sque sitting on the western side of the platform. The rest of the temple is spread across the grounds. The idols were destroyed.(12)

The ASI has taken control of the temple and worship by Hindus is disallowed. Efforts to reclaim it have proved futile.(13)