Hidden Shiva Temple Reopened in Sambhal During Encroachment Raid
Temple Found During Anti-Encroachment Drive Sambhal
On December 14, 2024, a significant discovery was made in the Shahi Jama Masjid area of Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. A 46-year-old Lord Shiva temple, hidden inside a locked house, was reopened during a large-scale operation against illegal encroachments and electricity theft.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Morning aarti being performed at the Hanuman Temple which was discovered in Sambhal during an anti-encroachment drive carried out by district police and administration, yesterday. pic.twitter.com/QUBwGb3sNc
— ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2024
The temple, which also houses idols of Lord Hanuman, was found in the Mahmood Khan Sarai locality. Officials confirmed that the house once belonged to a Hindu family before being sold after the 1976 riots. Since then, it has remained locked and untouched.
Under the leadership of District Magistrate (DM) Dr. Rajendra Pensia and Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Bishnoi, the administration cleaned the temple premises. An ancient well near the temple, buried under a ramp, was also uncovered. The authorities initiated an investigation into the ownership of the house and the encroachments on temple land.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: A temple has been reopened in Sambhal.
Patron of Nagar Hindu Sabha, Vishnu Sharan Rastogi claims that the temple has been re-opened after 1978. pic.twitter.com/UQdzODtuYa
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2024
Widespread Encroachment and Electricity Theft Uncovered Sambhal
The operation targeted illegal encroachments and rampant electricity theft in Sambhal’s Jama Masjid area. Authorities found over 300 houses, including mosques, involved in power theft. In one mosque alone, officials discovered 59 fans, a refrigerator, a washing machine, and 25-30 lights running on stolen electricity.
1) This is from Sambhal in UP.
During a raid in Ladaniya Masjid, officials found an illegal powerhouse set up on the Mosque's roof, which was supplying electricity to nearly 100 homes.
As per the report, officials also discovered electricity theft in 4 Mosques and a Madrassa. pic.twitter.com/e7e9LlIefl
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) December 15, 2024
Executive Engineer Naveen Gautam stated that severe legal action would be taken against offenders. The administration deployed two police platoons to ensure the safety of the electricity department teams and maintain order during the raids.
Hindu Sacred Sites: How Many More Are Hidden?
The discovery of the hidden temple raises a critical question: how many temples remain hidden or encroached upon across the country? Such operations, while local, highlight a larger issue of deliberate concealment and illegal occupation of Hindu sacred sites.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the fate of Hindu temples in certain regions. Encroachment not only desecrates sacred spaces but also erases a part of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Had the administration not conducted this raid, the Shiva temple might have remained undiscovered for decades longer.
Legal and Cultural Implications Sambhal
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shreesh Chandra revealed that some individuals had encroached on temple land and built houses illegally. The temple was buried under residential structures, further concealing its existence. Authorities have initiated strict legal action against the encroachers.
The administration has also announced plans to approach the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for carbon dating to determine the temple’s antiquity. This will provide crucial insights into the temple’s historical significance.
Officials have made it clear that encroachments on any religious or public property will not be tolerated. Legal measures will ensure the temple is handed over to its rightful owners and restored to its former glory.
A Wake-Up Call
The uncovering of the Shiva temple during the Sambhal operation underscores a troubling reality. Encroachments on Hindu temples and land are not isolated incidents. If similar raids were conducted nationwide, many more temples could come to light, shedding years of concealment.
It is imperative for authorities to address this issue proactively. Hindu organizations and cultural bodies must also unite to safeguard India’s sacred spaces and ensure their preservation for future generations. The discovery in Sambhal is not just about one temple—it is a wake-up call to reclaim and protect India’s spiritual and cultural identity.