Sambhal’s Closed Temple Reopens 46 Years After 1978 Riots

A temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has reopened after 46 years of being locked following communal riots in 1978. The Bhasma Shankar temple, which houses idols of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling, was rediscovered during an anti-encroachment drive near the Shahi Jama Masjid.

The temple had remained closed since the 1978 riots that led to the displacement of the local Hindu community. The reopening was prompted when Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra, who was conducting a campaign against electricity theft in the area, stumbled upon the temple during her inspection. Upon noticing the structure, Mishra immediately informed district authorities, and the decision was made to reopen the temple.

The temple, located in the Khaggu Sarai area, is just over a kilometer from the Shahi Jama Masjid. It also has a well nearby, which authorities plan to reopen as well.

Local Memories and Significance

Many local residents have shared their memories of the temple, highlighting its significance as a religious site for the community. The temple, believed to be at least 500 years old, was originally a place of worship for the Rastogi community. Vishnu Shankar Rastogi, an 82-year-old patron of the Nagar Hindu Mahasabha, recalled that after the 1978 riots, Hindu families in the area were forced to migrate, leading to the temple’s closure.

Residents like Mukesh Rastogi and Sanjay Sankhydhar, who grew up hearing about the temple, expressed their joy at its reopening, hoping it will bring back a sense of spiritual connection to the area.

Violence and Current Context

The temple’s reopening follows a period of heightened tensions in Sambhal, including violent clashes in November 2024 over a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, which resulted in several casualties. The ongoing encroachment and power theft crackdown by the administration is also part of the efforts to restore order and address communal tensions in the region.

In a separate incident, an imam from the Anar Wali Masjid in Sambhal was fined Rs 2 lakh for using a loudspeaker at excessive volume. He has been directed to refrain from similar actions for the next six months.