Sambhal Officials Reopen Ancient Temple Shut Since 1978 Riots

Reopen Ancient Temple: An ancient temple, closed since 1978 following communal riots in the town, was opened in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district on Friday.

Morning aarti was performed at the temple on Sunday. The Bhasma Shankar temple houses an idol of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling.

Officials said the temple, a stone's throw from the Shahi Jama Masjid, was opened after authorities "stumbled" on it during an anti-encroachment drive.

Also Read: One Nation, One Election: Bill Provisions Indicate Simultaneous Polls Delayed Until 2034

Locals claimed that the Bhasma Shankar temple had remained since 1978 after the communal riots resulted in the displacement of the local Hindu community there.

Meanwhile, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Misra, who was leading a campaign against electricity theft in the area, said that they came across the temple while inspecting the region. "Upon noticing it, I immediately informed the district authorities," she said.

“We all came here together and decided to reopen the temple,” Mishra said, adding that the temple had been closed for decades and the residents confirmed it had been locked since 1978.

Also Read: Bengaluru Techie Suicide Case: Nikita Singhania, Family Arrested and Produced in Court

For the locals, this reopening is not just about reviving a place of worship but also reconnecting with a part of their history.

It’s not just a place of prayer, it also has a well which will be restored soon.

The opening comes as part of a larger drive against encroachment and electricity theft around Sambhal’s Mughal era Shahi Jama Masjid.

The district has been in news recently due to clashes over a court ordered survey of the mosque. November 24 violence had left four dead and many injured including police personnel.

In a separate move, authorities fined the imam of Anar Wali Masjid Rs 2 lakh for using a loudspeaker at high volume. The administration has warned against similar violations in the future.

For Sambhal it’s not just news, it’s a mixed feeling.

Also Read: Raj Kapoor @100: Iconic Films That Cemented the Legacy of Indian Cinema’s Showman