Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 18 : Geeta Pradhan, a former member of Uttar Pradesh Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Commission and BJP leader, on Wednesday offered prayers at the Shiv-Hanuman Temple in Sambhal. The temple, which had remained closed since 1978, reopened on December 14 after efforts by the administration.
"We are very happy. With the efforts of Honorable Yogi ji, an ancient temple has been rediscovered with 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. When the police administration came investigate an electricity theft, they found the ancient temple. Today, the Hindu community is very happy," Pradhan told ANI.
The temple was rediscovered during an anti-encroachment drive led by local district police and administration, which aimed to clear illegal encroachments in the area.
Vishnu Sharan Rastogi, patron of the Nagar Hindu Sabha, confirmed that the temple had remained closed for 46 years, primarily due to the absence of a resident priest.
The temple, which had reportedly been closed since 1978, was reopened on December 14 as part of the encroachment clearance operation carried out by local police and administration.
During the restoration process, three idols were found near a well close to the temple. These idols are now being preserved as part of the efforts to restore the temple to its original splendor.
Sambhal's Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra stated that the encroachment clearance operation had focused solely on structures encroaching on public property, and emphasized plans to restore the temple to its former glory.
"The temple premises have been cleaned, and electricity arrangements have been made. CCTVs are being installed for security. The anti-encroachment drive targeted only structures built on public property. We will restore the temple to its original structure." said SDM Mishra.
On Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath slammed the previous Samajwadi Party government, accusing them of preventing the reopening of the ancient Shiva-Hanuman Temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, for over four decades. Speaking in the state assembly, CM Yogi said, "Since 1978 they (Samajwadi Party) never allowed to open the temple, which is being opened now..."