People gathered for morning prayers at the Shiv-Hanuman Mandir in Sambhal, which reopened on December 14 after remaining closed since 1978. The mandir was rediscovered during an anti-encroachment drive led by local district police and administration. The drive was conducted to clear illegal encroachments in the area.
Visuals show security personnel were deployed outside to ensure safety as the reopening marked a significant moment for the community. On December 16, following its reopening, the mandir premises were cleaned, and electricity connections were restored with the installation of CCTV cameras for security purposes.
Vishnu Sharan Rastogi, patron of the Nagar Hindu Sabha, confirmed that the mandir had remained closed for 46 years, largely due to the absence of a resident pandit. The mandir, which had reportedly remained closed since 1978, was reopened on December 14 as part of an encroachment clearance operation carried out by local police and administration.
Three murtis were found near a well close to the mandir during the restoration process. The murtis are now being preserved as part of the efforts to bring back the mandir’s original splendor.
Sambhal Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra said, “These are broken murtis that were found during the digging of the well. There is an murti of Bhagwan Ganesh. The other one seems to be of Bhagwan Kartikeya, more details are being sought. There was debris and soil in the well. The murtis were discovered when it was dug…The area has been secured so that excavation can be done smoothly.”
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 mandir to its former glory.
“The mandir 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 mandir to its original structure.” said SDM Mishra.
On December 16, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath slammed the previous Samajwadi Party government, accusing them of preventing the reopening of the ancient Shiva-Hanuman Mandir 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 mandir, which is being opened now…”
(with inputs from ANI)
