After recent reports of disputes involving ancient temples in Sambhal, Varanasi, Aligarh, Kanpur and Bulandshahr, a 120-year-old Shiva temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi has come under the spotlight. The temple, located in Aurangabad village under the Musafirkhana police station area, is alleged to have been illegally occupied by members of the local Muslim community.
Villagers claim that the Pancha Shikhar Shiva Temple, a sacred site for Hindus in the area, has been under unauthorised occupation for over two decades. They allege that worship and other rituals have been prohibited during this time, causing significant resentment among the Hindu community.
According to local accounts, the temple was established approximately 120 years ago by a Dalit family and has since served as a center of devotion for the region’s Hindu population. However, over the last 20 years, restrictions imposed on performing prayers and rituals have sparked growing frustration.
On December 24, the situation escalated when a group of villagers, led by BJP District General Secretary Atul Singh, submitted a formal complaint to Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Preeti Tiwari. The complaint demanded immediate action to address the alleged illegal occupation and restore access to the temple for Hindu devotees.
Speaking about the matter, SDM Preeti Tiwari confirmed that the investigation has been assigned to the Tehsildar. “The investigation will cover all aspects of the issue. Once the report is submitted, appropriate action will be taken,” she stated.
The discovery of such disputes continues to highlight tensions surrounding historical religious sites in Uttar Pradesh. Local residents have expressed hope for a resolution to restore the sanctity of the temple and ensure that faith-based practices can resume without obstruction.
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