A Hindu-Muslim dispute tests centuries of interfaith culture in India's Varanasi

Varanasi , northern India , is the epicenter of Hinduism, but Muslims make up nearly 30% of the city's population.

The Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Gyanvapi mosque stand side by side in the heart of the holy city.

The mosque was built in the 17th century by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb after demolishing a Hindu temple.

For centuries , both communities have shared the space, but now, some Hindus say they want to reclaim it.

Varanasi , the cradle of Hinduism, is a city with a long history of interfaith harmony.

But an ongoing religious dispute is testing its limits.

Many legal experts argue that the Gyanvapi lawsuit also goes against the spirit of the Places of Worship Act of 1991 .

Varanasi is the epicenter of Hinduism but is a mixture of different cultures and faiths.

In 2006 , the situation was ripe for sectarian violence after a bomb blast at the temple where head priest is the head priest.

Despite opposition from Hindu extremists, Mishra has managed to bring Muslim artists, even some from neighboring Pakistan , to perform.