A centuries-old Shiva temple has been uncovered in Varanasi, drawing significant attention from authorities and devotees alike, just a week after three murthis were recovered from a well near the ancient Shiva-Hanuman Temple in Sambhal. Based on the reports from OpIndia, these discoveries have sparked widespread interest and devotion among communities.
In Varanasi, a locked structure resembling a temple was recently found in the Madanpura area, a predominantly Islamic neighborhood. Believed to be around 250 years old, the structure had reportedly been locked for 70 years. Police were deployed at the site to ensure security while officials reviewed historical records to verify its origins.
Ajay Sharma, state president of the Sanatan Raksha Dal, claimed the structure to be the Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple. “We have requested the administration to unlock the temple and allow prayers. If opened, it will reveal whether murthis of deities remain inside,” he said. The issue gained traction after a photo of the locked temple gate went viral on social media with the caption, “A Shiv temple is locked in the lanes of Kashi.”
Varanasi Municipal Commissioner Akshat Verma commented, “The concerned department is taking action, and the police will handle the necessary procedures.” Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaurav Banswal confirmed that a team had been deployed at the site as a precautionary measure, adding, “All legal procedures will be followed before any decisions are made.”
An Islamist resident claimed that no pooja had ever been conducted in the structure and asserted that it was part of his house and personal property. He further stated that no pooja would be allowed in the future, as there were no murthis or structures inside—just an empty structure. However, these claims have raised questions, as the presence of a Shiva temple structure contradicts his statements. A reporter questioned the inconsistency, asking, “If it is indeed a temple structure, then where are the murthis? And if it’s not a temple, why does it resemble one?” These discrepancies have fueled ongoing debates over the site’s ownership and historical significance.
Rediscovery of Sambhal’s Shiva-Hanuman Temple
In Sambhal, the ancient Shiva-Hanuman Temple reopened on December 14 after being closed for 46 years. The reopening occurred during an anti-encroachment drive conducted by the local administration. During the clearance, three murthis were unearthed from a well near the shrine.
Additional Superintendent of Police Shrish Chandra stated, “The murthis, including one of Bhagwan Ganesh and another likely of Bhagwan Kartikeya, were found during debris removal from the well. The area has been secured for further excavation.”
The temple, which had remained closed since 1978 due to the absence of a resident purohith due to Islamic invasion and attack, has now been cleaned and made accessible for worship. Devotees have painted slogans such as “Om Namah Shivaya” and “Har Har Mahadeva” on the temple walls to celebrate its reopening.
Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vandana Mishra announced restoration plans for the temple, saying, “The original structure will be restored. Electricity arrangements have been made, and CCTV cameras have been installed for security. The anti-encroachment drive targeted only structures built on public property, and we have also informed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) about the site.”
The recent discovery of several such temples across different parts of Bharat highlights the deep scars left by past Islamic invasions and the dominance that sought to erase the cultural and religious heritage of ancient Bharat. These findings serve as a stark reminder of the damage inflicted upon Hindu temples and structures, showcasing the resilience of Bharat’s rich history and the importance of preserving and reclaiming its cultural identity.
“The recent discovery of several such temples across different parts of Bharat highlights the deep scars left by past Islamic invasions and the dominance that sought to erase the cultural and religious heritage of ancient Bharat. These findings serve as a stark reminder of the damage inflicted upon Hindu temples and structures”
Absolutely!