ASI Surveys Newly Discovered Temple and Wells in Sambhal

Bareilly: A four-member team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Saturday surveyed the recently-discovered Shri Kartik Mahadev temple, five 'teerths' (pilgrimage sites) and 19 'koops' (wells), a senior official said.

The survey included Bhadrak Ashram, Swarga Deep, Chakrapani, and Prachin Shamshan Mandir wells, and the newly discovered Shiv-Hanuman temple in the Khaggusarai area.

DM Dr Rajender Pensiya informed that the inspection continued for 8-10 hours, adding that around 24 areas were surveyed.

Meanwhile, as part of the anti-encroachment campaign, the Uttar Pradesh government demolished the steps outside the residence of Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Zia Ur Rehman Barq. So far, power theft has been detected in dozens of houses, and fines worth ₹1.3 crore have been imposed.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team visited the violence-hit Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh on Friday. The team reached Moradabad on Thursday. According to sources, the team may commence carbon dating at an ancient Shiva temple following Friday prayers.

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On Monday, officials said Three damaged idols were found inside the well of the Bhasma Shankar temple in Sambhal which was reopened last week after being shut for 46 years.

The Shri Kartik Mahadev temple (Bhasma Shankar temple) was reopened on December 13 after the authorities said they stumbled upon the covered structure during an anti-encroachment drive. The temple housed an idol of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling. It had remained locked since 1978. The temple also has a well nearby which the authorities had planned to reopen.

Pensiya had earlier told reporters that the ancient temple and the well were being excavated.

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"Around 10 to 12 feet of digging. During this... first an idol of Parvati was found with its head broken. Then Ganesh and Lakshmi's idols were found," he had said.

Pradhan shared, “We are very happy. With the efforts of Honorable Yogi ji, an ancient temple has been rediscovered with the support of the administration. Everyone is here to offer prayers, and there is a wave of happiness among people. Many idols were installed outside the temple, all of which were demolished, and houses were built on the temple land.”

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