An ancient temple has come to light in the densely populated urban area of Madanpura in Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh. On December 16, members of a Hindu organisation arrived in the locality to unlock what they claim is the Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple, which has remained closed for decades. The discovery has triggered demands for regular worship at the site, sparking discussions on religious harmony and administrative action.
Temple Locked for Decades
The incident unfolded after a post circulated on social media on the afternoon of December 16. The message, which read, “Pay attention, a Shiv temple is locked in the lanes of Kashi,” caught the attention of Pandit Ajay Sharma, the state president of the Sanatan Raksha Dal. Acting on the information, Sharma and his team visited the location in Madanpura, a densely populated Muslim-majority area. Near house number D-31, they reportedly discovered the ancient temple structure, which had remained locked and neglected for years.
Ajay Sharma claimed, “This temple is referenced in the Kashi Khand, an ancient scripture that details the sacred geography of Varanasi. The temple, south of Pushpadanteshwar, is known as Siddheshwar Mahadev, revered for its powers of granting supreme blessings. Additionally, a well known as Siddhatirtha exists near the temple.”
According to locals, the temple is estimated to be at least 250 years old but has remained locked for the past 10 years. Upon entering the premises, the team observed accumulated soil and a general state of neglect, reflecting years of abandonment.
Claims and Counterclaims
The incident quickly escalated into a larger debate when prominent figures from political and religious organizations weighed in. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya responded firmly to the issue, stating, “Wherever there is suppression, wherever temples are found, worship will be conducted there.” His remarks indicate the government’s stance on reclaiming and reopening such religious sites.
On the other hand, Mohammad Shahabuddin, the owner of the site, clarified that he holds no objection to worship being conducted at the temple, provided it is done peacefully and does not disrupt the locality. Shahabuddin remarked, “If someone wants to worship peacefully, there is no issue from our side.”
Meanwhile, Shivpal Singh Yadav, Samajwadi Party leader and MLA, accused certain groups of attempting to disturb communal harmony. He stated, “Some are trying to create unnecessary tensions in the name of such issues, which can harm the unity of our country.”
The Role of Administration
Given the sensitivity of the matter and the temple’s location in a densely populated area, the administration has moved swiftly to maintain law and order. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Kashi Zone, Gaurav Banswal confirmed the temple’s existence and the lack of clarity regarding its ownership.
Banswal stated, “The temple is indeed old, and the gate remains locked. No individual or group has been able to provide concrete information about the ownership of the site. The administration has begun its investigation, and further steps will be taken based on the directives from senior officers.”
As a precautionary measure, the police have been deployed at the site to prevent any untoward incidents.
Current Status and Next Steps
As of now, the administration has sealed off the site while investigations into its ownership and historical authenticity are underway. Ajay Sharma and the Sanatan Raksha Dal have reiterated their demand to reopen the temple for regular worship while maintaining peace and harmony in the locality.
Temple Unearthed During Anti-Encroachment Drive
The discovery came to light on December 14 when the district administration carried out a large-scale operation against encroachments and electricity theft in the Shahi Jama Masjid area of Sambhal. During the drive, officials stumbled upon a Shiva temple inside a locked house that had remained inaccessible for 46 years.
The temple has been rediscovered inside a locked house in Mahmood Khan Sarai, located in the Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh. The house, once owned by a Hindu family, had remained closed for decades following the 1976 communal riots, after which the property was reportedly sold.
Desecrated Idols Found Nearby
Following the reopening of the temple, a further discovery was made on December 16, when locals began excavating a well located near the temple premises. At a depth of approximately 25 feet, three desecrated sculptures of Hindu deities were recovered. The idols are believed to have been submerged and forgotten for decades.
Shrish Chandra, the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Sambhal, confirmed the discovery, stating:
“These are broken idols that were found during the digging of a well. One of the idols appears to be of Ganesh ji, while another seems to depict Kartikeya ji.”
The significance of these idols is currently being examined, with speculation that they may have been part of the temple’s original sanctum before the events of 1976.
Community Reclaims Sacred Space
The rediscovery has prompted immediate local action to restore and honour the temple. Devotees painted the temple’s exterior and inscribed its name as the “Shiv-Hanuman Temple”. Religious slogans such as ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’ have been prominently displayed, reflecting the renewed spiritual energy among the residents.
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