SP Krishan Kumar and DM Rajender Pensiya Offer Prayers at Ancient Temple Unearthed in Sambhal After 46 Years

A historic Shiv-Hanuman temple, hidden beneath encroachments for decades, was rediscovered and reopened after 46 years during an anti-encroachment drive in Sambhal. District Magistrate (DM) Rajendra Pensiya and Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar conducted a special puja at the temple on Sunday to mark the occasion.

Shiv-Hanuman Temple Reopens in Sambhal After 46 Years Amid Anti-Encroachment Drive

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Sambhal SP Krishan Kumar and DM Dr Rajender Pensiya offer prayers at the Shiv-Hanuman Temple which was discovered in Sambhal during an anti-encroachment drive carried out by district police and administration, yesterday. pic.twitter.com/UMxZZVhP4n

— ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2024

The temple, which had remained closed since 1978 due to the absence of a priest and years of encroachment, was unveiled during a campaign targeting unauthorized constructions on public land. The anti-encroachment drive, launched earlier in the day amid ongoing tensions, focused on clearing illegal structures in public spaces. According to Sambhal SDM Vandana Mishra, similar drives have been actively conducted in Chandauli for the past two months.

Historic Shiv-Hanuman Temple in Sambhal Reopens After 46 Years Amid Anti-Encroachment Drive

“The campaign aims to reclaim public spaces from encroachers,” Mishra said. She also mentioned that a crackdown on electricity theft is underway in Sambhal, with significant violations discovered during the inspections.

In a related development, the authorities inspected the Shahi Jama Masjid area on Saturday morning, uncovering large-scale electricity theft. DM Pensiya revealed that several unauthorized connections were identified, including 15-20 homes and religious establishments. One mosque was found operating 59 fans, a refrigerator, a washing machine, and around 25-30 light points, all without functioning meters.

As for the temple, its premises have been cleaned, electricity connections restored, and CCTV cameras installed for security. Police personnel have been deployed outside the temple to maintain order, and a ceremonial aarti was performed on Sunday morning.

Vishnu Sharan Rastogi, the patron of the Nagar Hindu Sabha, confirmed the reopening of the temple after 46 years. “The temple had been closed since 1978 due to the absence of a priest. We are delighted to see it open again,” Rastogi said.

Sambhal Circle Officer Anuj Kumar Chaudhary, part of the inspection team, stated that the temple was discovered while investigating reports of encroachment. The reopening of the temple has been welcomed by locals, who view it as a significant cultural and religious milestone.