Temple Locked Since 1978 Reopens After 46 Years in Sambhal

Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh – A very old temple, which was closed and forgotten since 1978, has been reopened by the police, reminding all of the past. It was a temple in the Khaggu Sarai area of Nakhasa police station’s jurisdiction. The temple remained closed for decades, as no ritual or prayer had taken place since then.

The temple was being taken care of by a priest who left the region after selling his house and locking the temple. The priest had also claimed that no one dared to perform rituals or offer prayers in the temple. In due course of time, the well near the temple was also filled up and sealed by members of another community.

Due to the decreasing Hindu population in the region, many families moved away, and the temple was forgotten and left to ruin. However, the temple was discovered during a routine inspection of electricity by local authorities. When the police found the locked temple, they contacted the former priest, who returned to unlock it.

ये प्राचीन मंदिर था,आक्रांताओं के वंशजों ने क़ब्ज़ा कर इसे बंद कर दिया,मोदीजी योगी जी के राज में दशकों बाद आज इस मंदिर की घंटियाँ बजीं,देवी देवताओं की मूर्ति से धूल छटीं,ये बांग्लादेश नहीं उत्तर प्रदेश का सँभल था जहां ये पाप हुआ

सपा कांग्रेस राज में UP पूरी तरह बांग्लादेश हो गया… pic.twitter.com/wqGGg1eCyc

— Dr. Shalabh Mani Tripathi (@shalabhmani) December 14, 2024

Inside, the police found a Shiva Lingam and an idol of Lord Hanuman covered with dust. They immediately organized a cleanup of the temple premises. The reopening has sparked interest among locals, who see it as a significant moment for the community.

The incident highlights the historical and cultural complexities of the region, with many hoping for the revival of the temple as a place of worship and heritage.