Agra lawyers claim Taj Mahal was originally Shiva temple

A lawsuit claiming the Taj Mahal was originally a Shiva temple, has been filed by a team of lawyers from Agra, who believe its ownership be transferred to Hindus.

On July 25, the plea regarding the ownership of the monument was moved to the additional district and sessions judge (XIV) and one of the defendants in this case, the Ministry of Culture has been given a deadline till August 10 to file their response, according to media reports.

Defendant-I, the Archaeological Survey of India, had earlier dismissed the lawyers claims that the 17th century Mughal monument is a Shiva temple.

However, the lawyers believe there is substantial evidence to prove that it was a Shiva temple dedicated to Lord Agreshwar Mahadev, who they have also made a party in their suit.

In addition to demanding the ownership of the monument be transferred to Hindus, the lawyers' suit also calls for Muslims to be restricted from offering prayers at the location.

In December 2014, UP BJP chief Laxmikant Bajpai, had remarked the Taj Mahal was a part of an ancient temple, while responding to demands by Azam Khan, that the Taj Mahal be handed over to UP Waqf Board.

Bajpai had also mentioned there was a evidence to prove, a part of Tejo Mahalaya temple's land, was purchased by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan from Raja Jai Singh.