Ancient Sambhal Temple Reopens After 45 Years: A Journey from Turmoil to Tranquility

During an anti-encroachment initiative in Khaggu Sarai, officials unexpectedly discovered a temple located near the Shahi Jama Masjid, shedding light on the historical and cultural significance of the area.

P24 News Media

December 15, 2024

1 minute

Ancient Sambhal Temple Reopens After 45 Years: A Journey from Turmoil to Tranquility

India

On a recent Friday, officials in Sambhal district took significant steps towards reopening an ancient temple that had remained locked for decades, specifically since the communal riots of 1978. This marked an important moment for the local community, particularly for the Hindu residents who had been displaced and had not been able to access their place of worship since the unrest.

The ancient Bhasma Shankar temple was discovered unexpectedly during an anti-encroachment drive near the Shahi Jama Masjid. To the astonishment of the officials, they came across both a Hanuman idol and a Shivling within the temple premises. It was revealed through reports that locals had believed in the existence of the temple, which had been unused since the violent incidents that led to the exodus of many Hindu families.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Vandana Misra, who was overseeing a crackdown on electricity theft in the vicinity, recounted the discovery. “While checking the region, we noticed the temple and immediately reported the finding to district authorities,” she stated. Following this notification, a decision was made collectively to restore access to the temple, which had not been visited by worshippers for many years. Plans were also made to reopen a nearby well associated with the temple.

This revelation arrives on the heels of violence that erupted weeks prior in response to a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, which tragically resulted in the loss of four lives. The Sambhal administration has since intensified its efforts to combat encroachments and electrical theft in areas surrounding this historic mosque.

Residents of Khaggu Sarai, where the Bhasma Shankar temple is located just over a kilometer from the Jama Masjid, expressed a deep connection to the site. Mukesh Rastogi, a local, shared stories he inherited from his ancestors, remarking on the temple's significance and its age, which he believes to be around 500 years. The historical context of the temple is interwoven with personal histories, as many families in the area had worshipped there before being forced to leave because of the riots.

Vishnu Shankar Rastogi, an 82-year-old member of the Nagar Hindu Mahasabha, recounted his lifelong ties to the temple. “Since my birth, I have lived in Khaggu Sarai, but after the riots of 1978, our community was compelled to abandon the area. This temple, dedicated to our Kulguru, has remained locked ever since,” he explained. Prior to the upheaval, around 25 to 30 Hindu families, including his own, had resided in the neighborhood. Following the violence, they were unable to return.

Vishnu emphasized the temple’s historical role, stating, “This Bhasma Shankar temple was fundamental to our community's spiritual life. We used to come here to worship and celebrate our traditions.” Other residents echoed similar sentiments, noting that the temple was a place of solace and healing, where the community found comfort during trying times. Sanjay Sankhydhar, another local, remarked on the temple's importance, saying that the reopening would enable people to seek blessings and solace once again.

As Sambhal grapples with the aftereffects of violence surrounding the Shahi Jama Masjid, the reopening of the Bhasma Shankar temple may serve as a poignant reminder of resilience and faith for the local Hindu community. It symbolizes a return to a shared space that connects them to their history, culture, and spiritual practices, enriching their community ties even in the face of past adversity.

Moreover, recent actions by the Supreme Court illustrate the ongoing complexity surrounding ownership and surveys of religious sites in India. The Court has placed restrictions on civil courts from initiating new suits regarding the ownership of places of worship, reinforcing the importance of maintaining the existing religious character of such sites as they were on August 15, 1947. This historic context underlines the tensions surrounding temple rediscovery and ownership, especially for marginalized communities longing for their places of worship.