The district of Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh has recently become a hotspot of interest. It all started with orders for surveying the Jama Masjid. What followed was chaos and arson, leading to severe violence. As the police intervened, an intriguing discovery unfolded—a temple buried by encroachments for a staggering 46 years. Unlocking its doors revealed idols of Lord Hanuman and a Shiva Lingam. But the story doesn't end here.
Recent excavations in a nearby well have surfaced numerous statues, leaving everyone astounded. Excavation, going 15 to 20 feet deep, has unearthed broken idols and swastika-decorated bricks. This has fueled speculation that the well might be hiding more of the past's secrets. There's a growing demand to uncover the truth via carbon dating.
The entire saga revolves around a historic
Shiva temple in Sambhal's Khaggu Sarai area
, unveiled recently by authorities after being closed post-1978 communal riots. Just three days after its reopening, three statues believed to be of Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya/Lakshmi emerged from a well on-site. The temple's closure since 1978 was attributed to communal unrest, leading to significant actions by police and administration.
Source: aajtak
The discovery was catalyzed by an official team targeting electricity theft and encroachment crackdowns in the area. It's been revealed as an ancient Shiva temple, where the encroached well also served as a source of relics. The excavation unearthed three statues and three bricks with swastikas, indicating rich historical significance.
Possibility of More Relics Withheld Mid-Excavation
Amidst ongoing excavations, there's potential for more statues to be uncovered within the well. Excavation was paused to prevent damage to these ancient artifacts, evoking immense enthusiasm among local Hindus who’ve started spiritual rituals with full fervor. Currently, a strong police presence ensures the situation remains under control.
In the interim, Sambhal DM Rajendra Pensia noted that communications have been sent to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct carbon dating on the temple and the well, seeking deeper insights. Worship has resumed at the temple after nearly half a century.
This recent turn of events rekindles memories of significant riots in Sambhal, notably known as the 'Fahd incident.' Allegedly, post-riot circumstances led Hindu residents to migrate, selling their homes, with the temple and well subsequently falling prey to encroachments.
CM Yogi Addresses Temple Unveiling and Sambhal's Historical Riots
Upon the reopening of the age-old temple post-riots, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked that this temple's reemergence exemplifies enduring legacy and historical truths rather than a sudden occurrence.
Source: aajtak
CM Yogi, during a Prayagraj Mahakumbh event, recounted the tragic episodes from 46 years back in Sambhal, lamenting the loss of innocent lives due to violence. He questioned the delayed justice against perpetrators.
Local Community’s Reflection
Meanwhile, locals in Sambhal assert that due to 1978's communal riots and resultant Hindu displacement, the temple remained inaccessible for decades. Vishnu Shankar Rastogi (82), custodian of the local Hindu Mahasabha, recounted living in Khaggu Sarai since birth, revealed how the community was compelled to migrate post-riots, with the temple dedicated to their family deities remaining sealed.
