The Karnataka High Court permitted limited Hindu devotees to perform Mahashivratri puja at Raghav Chaitanya Shivalinga within Ladle Mashak Dargah premises in Kalaburagi’s Aland town on February 15. The Supreme Court refused the dargah committee’s appeal seeking restraint, upholding last year’s successful precedent under heavy security.
The disputed location enshrines 14th-century Sufi Hazrat Sheikh Alauddin Ansari alongside 15th-century Hindu saint Raghav Chaitanya’s samadhi, marked by a Shivalinga structure. Both communities historically offered prayers until the 2022 desecration when miscreants hurled feces on the linga, igniting worship rights conflict.
Following 2025’s peaceful execution, allowing 15 devotees, the High Court repeated its directive limiting numbers while mandating strict police supervision, preventing recurrence of prior violence. Authorities ensure communal harmony during Shiva-Parvati vivah observance falling on Phalgun Krishna Chaturdashi.
The verdict reaffirms judicial recognition of legitimate Shivling worship within multi-faith complexes where historical Hindu rights withstand appropriation claims, balancing coexistence through regulated access, safeguarding ancient saint memorials.
Karnataka High Court enabled Mahashivratri puja at Aland’s Raghav Chaitanya Shivalinga despite dargah opposition, with the Supreme Court dismissing the stay plea, ensuring Hindu devotees’ regulated worship rights atthe shared sacred site on February 15.
