UP Man Arrested for Vandalising ‘Mahabharata-Era’ Shivling at Unnao Temple

Man Arrested for Vandalising Shivling: A ‘Shivling’ at Unnao's Billeshwar Mahadev temple was allegedly vandalised on Wednesday,, sparking outrage among the locals, officials said.

According to a PTI report, Police have arrested a man reportedly suffering from depression in connection with the incident, which occurred at the temple located in the Purwa Kotwali area on Purwa-Maurawan road, 3 km from the tehsil headquarters, they added.

According to the locals, the ‘Shivling’ dates back to the Mahabharata era. Additional superintendent of police (ASP) Akhilesh Singh said the accused appeared to be mentally disturbed due to his wife's prolonged illness. He admitted to vandalising the ‘Shivling’ out of frustration.

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He also confessed to damaging another Shivling nearby.

Ajay Trivedi from the Hindu Jagran Manch said, "The desecration of the Shivling has deeply hurt the sentiments of the devotees."

It is believed that Lord Krishna and Arjuna rested here during their journey from Hastinapur, and the former consecrated the Shivling after offering prayers, locals said.

Arjuna is said to have struck the ground with an arrow to create a water source for the ritual, which remains part of the temple complex to this day, they added.

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The Billeshwar Mahadev temple holds a special place among the devotees, who believe that bathing in its sacred pond cleanses sins.

Rasulpur Station Officer Anuj Kumar Singh said, "Following appeals from Hindu organisations, both communities were consulted, and work began peacefully."

Bajrang Dal district chief Mohan Bajrangi, present at the site, said the structure appeared to be a Shiv temple.

"Details about the idols and artifacts will emerge after the excavation is completed," he said.

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