Devotees Flock to Reopened Bhasma Shankar Temple in Sambhal, UP
In Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, hundreds of devotees visited the Khaggu Sarai area on Tuesday to offer prayers to a Lord Hanuman idol discovered in the Bhasma Shankar temple, which was reopened last week after being shut for 46 years. The temple, also known as the Shri Kartik Mahadev Temple, was rediscovered during an anti-encroachment drive and housed both a Lord Hanuman idol and a Shivling.
The temple had remained locked since 1978. On Tuesday, the priest, Shashikant Shukla, mentioned that the temple was cleaned early in the morning, and rituals, including offering a cholaa (cloth) to Lord Hanuman and reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, were carried out. Additionally, the shringaar (decoration) of Lord Shiva was performed in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.
The discovery of the idol has drawn large crowds, as devotees from nearby areas have visited to offer their prayers, especially since Tuesday is dedicated to the worship of Lord Hanuman. Many have expressed their emotional connection, as the idols had remained in darkness for years.
On December 13, the temple reopened following the discovery of the covered structure. The district administration is working on carbon dating the temple and well to confirm their historical age, with the Archaeological Survey of India being consulted for further analysis.
Officials also discovered three damaged idols inside a nearby well on Monday, adding to the temple’s historical significance. The reopening of the temple is seen as a momentous event, and many have expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and local authorities for the restoration efforts.
A nearby house was flagged for encroachment, but the owner has committed to removing the encroaching structure, which will be completed in the coming days. The temple’s reopening is seen as a significant cultural and religious milestone for the region, with historical investigations underway.
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