Aarti Performed At Sambhal Hanuman Temple Reopened After 46 Years: Watch

A Hanuman temple in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, discovered during an anti-encroachment drive, was reopened by authorities on Saturday.

Morning aarti was performed at the Hanuman Temple on Sunday in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal which was discovered during an anti-encroachment drive. The temple was reopened by the district administration on Saturday after it was locked since 1978 following communal riots in the town.

According to officials, the temple was opened after authorities "stumbled" on it during the anti-encroachment drive. The temple had remained locked since 1978 following a communal riot that led to the displacement of the local Hindu community, claimed locals, according to a PTI report. 

Leading a campaign against electricity theft in the area, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra said, "While inspecting the region, we stumbled upon this temple. Upon noticing it, I immediately informed the district authorities."

"We all came here together and decided to reopen the temple," the SDM said. 

The temple is a stone's throw from Shahi Jama Masjid which became a flashpoint of violence last month, killing four people, over a court-ordered survey of the premises on a petition claiming it to be built on a temple site. 

The administration has since then launched a campaign to tackle encroachment and power thefts in the areas around the Mughal-era mosque. 

Sharing their memories of the temple, the local residents highlighted its importance as a religious site for the community. 

"We had heard a lot about this temple from our ancestors. It is an ancient temple but it was closed long ago because people only a particular community lived there," Mukesh Rastogi, a local resident told PTI. 

Vishnu Shankar Rastogi, 82-year-old patron of the Nagar Hindu Mahasabha also narrated his personal connection with the temple. 

"I have lived in Khaggu Sarai since my birth. After the 1978 riots, our community was forced to migrate from the area. This temple, dedicated to our Kulguru, has been locked since then," Rastogi said.

"Around 25-30 Hindu families, including ours, used to live in the Khaggu Sarai area. After the 1978 riots, we sold our house and left this place," Rastogi said.