SAMVHAL (UP), Dec 24: Acting on a representation regarding the Banke Bihari temple in Sambhal, the district administration on Tuesday reached the spot to ascertain the age of the structure and investigate the facts related to the symbols of deities found on the walls.
Earlier, the Shri Kartik Mahadev Temple (Bhasma Shankar Temple) was reopened on December 13 after authorities said they came across the covered structure during an anti-encroachment drive. The temple housed an idol of Lord Hanuman and a ‘shivling’.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Chandausi tehsildar Dhirendra Singh said on Tehsil Diwas (December 21) that a complaint had been lodged with the district magistrate regarding the Banke Bihari temple, which is in ruins.
Singh said symbols related to Lord Shiva were found in the temple. Besides, idols of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita are carved on the walls, he said.
The tehsildar said the age of the temple will be ascertained and the circumstances under which it was destroyed will also be examined.
Singh said that the Banke Bihari temple is spread over 1,137 hectares. If any encroachment is found, it will also be removed immediately, he added.
Local resident Kaushal Kishore, who had complained to district magistrate Rajendra Pensia, said he had brought to the official’s attention the existence of an old temple which was lying in ruins in the Chandausi area of ​​the Sambhal district.
He said that Banke Bihari Temple was established in 1870. The 150-year-old temple is located in Laxman Ganj area.
Kishore said there was a significant Hindu population here earlier, but after the assassination of the temple priest, Hindus migrated from here. In May 2010, the idols of Lord Shiv and his family in the temple were broken by anti-social elements and the entire temple was turned into ruins, he said.
Kishore recalled that the then government and administration paid no attention to it. This ancient temple should be renovated, he said, adding that it is the center of faith of Hindus.
The Bhasma Shankar temple had remained locked since 1978. The temple also has a well nearby which the authorities had planned to reopen.
Sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra had told PTI that information was received through the local SHO that idols had been found.
The temple is located in the Khaggu Sarai area (in Sambhal district), just over a kilometer from the Shahi Jama Masjid mosque, where violence took place on November 24 during a protest against an inspection ordered by the mosque court. Four people were killed and several, including police officers, were injured in the violence. (PTI)