Ancient Shiva temple discovered in Varanasi's Madanpura; security tightened

Efforts are now underway to reopen the temple, which is in a dilapidated state, filled with debris and neglect.

An ancient Lord Shiva temple, believed to be around 250 years old, has been discovered in the Madanpura area of Varanasi, a locality predominantly inhabited by Muslims. The temple, known as Siddheshwar Mahadev, was found on December 16 during an anti-encroachment drive and had been locked for approximately 40 years. Efforts are now underway to reopen the temple, which is in a dilapidated state, filled with debris and neglect.

The discovery came to light after a post circulated on social media, prompting members of the Sanatan Raksha Dal, led by UP president Ajay Sharma, to visit the site and advocate for the temple's reopening. Sharma clarified that the move was not linked to any communal dispute but rather an effort to restore a neglected religious site. "The temple has been abandoned for years, and the premises are filled with dirt and debris," Sharma said, as cited in a Times of India report.

Local authorities and police were alerted, with the Varanasi district administration saying that the decision to reopen the temple would only be made after reviewing all relevant facts and documents. Cops were deployed in the area to maintain law and order as tensions rose following the visit of the Hindu group. Sharma, as quoted in the report, has stated that the temple is located near a known holy site, Siddhatirtha, and that locals had shown no objection to the potential reopening of the temple.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has expressed support for the reopening, suggesting that worship would be conducted at the temple once it is unlocked. The move comes in the wake of similar developments in other parts of Uttar Pradesh, including Sambhal, where a Hanuman temple was recently reopened after decades.

The Sanatan Raksha Dal has volunteered to maintain the temple and perform rituals once it is reopened. The district administration has announced it will conduct a thorough investigation before any final decision is made.