Sambhal Mandir Rituals: Grand Rudrabhishek Ceremony Performed with Devotion Today

In Khaggu Sarai locality of Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, a Shiva temple that had been closed for decades was reopened by the police administration. The authorities organized a thorough cleaning of the temple and used bulldozers to clear encroachments around it. A well in the temple courtyard was also freed from encroachment. The police discovered the temple during an anti-power theft campaign in the densely populated area. Upon opening, they found a Shivling and a statue of Lord Hanuman inside. According to local resident Pradeep Kumar Verma, the area was once home to Hindu families alongside Muslim families, with harmony prevailing between the two communities. However, during communal unrest in 1978, some families left out of fear. Verma mentioned that his family stayed until the 1990s before relocating to another house. The temple was abandoned in 1997 due to a lack of caretakers but has now been reopened for worship. Many Hindus from nearby areas expressed happiness over the temple’s reopening. Authorities, including SDM Vandana, stated that the temple has been cleaned, lighting arrangements made, and CCTV cameras installed. A police picket has also been set up for security. Encroachments around the temple will be dealt with as per the law, with notices being issued to violators. Local residents are now appointing a priest and have resumed regular worship. The administration has assured action against those who illegally constructed buildings around the temple.