The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report on the Gyanvapi mosque suggested existence of a large Hindu Temple prior to the construction of the existing structure, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, said while reading out the survey report which was shared with the petitioners on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference, Jain said that the ASI report has revealed terms such as ‘Maha Mukti Mandap’ is mentioned in the inscriptions found on the stones of the structure.

“The ASI has said that during the survey, a number of inscriptions were noticed on the existing and preexisting structure. A total of 34 inscriptions were recorded during the present survey and 32 stamped pages were taken,” he said while reading out the report.

He also stated that the inscriptions on stone of a pre-existing Hindu temple were used during the construction and repair of the existing structure.

#WATCH | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, gives details on the Gyanvapi case.

He says, “The ASI has said that terms such as Maha Mukti Mandap is mentioned in these three inscription is of great significance…” pic.twitter.com/FYL31dLzuz

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Reading out the report further, Jain said that names of three deities – Janardana, Rudra and Umeshwara have also been found in these inscriptions.

“The reuse of earlier inscriptions in the structure suggests that the earlier structures were destroyed and their parts were reused in the construction repair of the existing structure. Three names of deities such as Janardana, Rudra and Umeshwara are found in these inscriptions,” the senior advocate added.

In the construction of the existing mosque, the Hindu side’s advocate claimed, pillars of the pre-existing temple were used after minor alterations.

“Some pillars from the Hindu temple were slightly modified for use in the new structure. Attempts were made to remove the carvings on the pillars,” the advocate said, citing the ASI report.

Earlier on Wednesday, District Judge Dr Ajay Kumar Vishwesh of the Varanasi court granted permission to provide copies of the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex to both Hindu and Muslim parties.