In a series of remarkable discoveries, several ancient temples have been uncovered across Uttar Pradesh, shedding light on the forgotten history and spiritual heritage of the region. Among these, a rediscovery took place in Sambhal’s Sarai Tarin area, where an abandoned Radha-Krishna Temple was reopened after decades. The temple, once a vibrant place of worship surrounded by Hindu families, had been largely abandoned after the families migrated. For years, it remained locked and was only sporadically opened during festive occasions.
The rediscovery occurred on Tuesday, December 17, when authorities, acting on specific information, reopened the temple premises. Police and local administration promptly began cleaning and restoration efforts to revive the sanctity of the site. This reopening came shortly after another major find in Sambhal—Shri Kartik Mahadev Temple—on December 13 during an anti-encroachment drive.
Sambhal: Another Temple Found!
In Sambhal’s Sarai Tarin area, another temple that had been closed for years has been discovered.
Upon receiving information, the police arrived and had the temple opened. Cleaning work is now underway in the temple premises. pic.twitter.com/15cwVPQGeE
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) December 17, 2024
Discovery of a Shiva Temple After 46 Years
On December 14, as part of an extensive anti-encroachment and anti-electricity theft operation in the Shahi Jama Masjid area of Sambhal, officials stumbled upon another significant structure—a Shiva temple that had been inaccessible for a staggering 46 years. The temple was found inside a locked house in Mahmood Khan Sarai, which had remained shut since the 1976 communal riots. Historical accounts indicate that the house, previously owned by a Hindu family, was abandoned following the unrest and subsequently sold.
The discovery of the Shiva temple rekindled local interest in the area’s history. On December 16, following the temple’s reopening, locals initiated the excavation of an old well situated nearby. At a depth of around 25 feet, they unearthed three desecrated idols of Hindu deities. The idols, believed to have been submerged for decades, were in a broken state but retained significant historical value.
Shrish Chandra, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Sambhal, confirmed the recovery and provided details:
“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.”
Authorities and locals speculate that these idols may have originally belonged to the temple’s sanctum before its abandonment in 1976. Efforts are underway to analyse the artefacts and determine their historical significance.
Rediscovery in Varanasi: The Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple
Adding to the growing list of temple rediscoveries, another ancient structure was brought to light in Varanasi on December 16. The temple, believed to be the Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple, was rediscovered in the Madanpura locality, a densely populated area. The incident unfolded after a social media post circulated with the message:
“Pay attention, a Shiv temple is locked in the lanes of Kashi.”
#सूचना@myogiadityanath ध्यान दीजिए..
काशी की गलियों में बंद पड़ा है शिव मंदिर
ये पुराना मंदिर बंद पड़ा है मदनपुरा की गलियों में, मकान नंबर D 31/65, गोल चबूतरा के नजदीक, मदनपुरा वाराणसी।
ये मंदिर इसके बगल वाले मकान मालिक के कब्जे में है और मंदिर में ताला बंद कर दिया गया है।… pic.twitter.com/XRVnUKyoQ0
— बैरागी पंडित 🕉️ 🇮🇳🇮🇱🇮🇳 (@Bairagi_Panddit) December 16, 2024
The message caught the attention of Pandit Ajay Sharma, the state president of the Sanatan Raksha Dal, who led a team to investigate the site. Near house number D-31, the group discovered an ancient temple structure that had remained locked and neglected for at least a decade. The temple, located in a Muslim-majority neighborhood, is believed to be over 250 years old.
Pandit Ajay Sharma, highlighting the temple’s significance, said:
“This temple is referenced in the Kashi Khand, an ancient scripture detailing the sacred geography of Varanasi. The temple, located south of Pushpadanteshwar, is known as Siddheshwar Mahadev, revered for its powers of granting supreme blessings. Additionally, a well named Siddhatirtha exists near the temple.”
Upon entering the premises, the team observed accumulated soil, debris, and years of neglect, reflecting the temple’s long state of abandonment.
Resurgence of Forgotten Heritage
The rediscovery of these temples—spanning Sambhal to Varanasi—underscores a broader resurgence of interest in Uttar Pradesh’s rich spiritual and cultural history.
While the Sambhal temples reveal a forgotten legacy of communal unrest and migration, the Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple in Varanasi highlights how historical and sacred structures can fade into obscurity amid urbanisation. Together, these discoveries serve as a reminder of the region’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions and the importance of safeguarding its ancient temples for future generations.
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