Damaged idols found inside re-opened Sambhal temple; administration writes to ASI for carbon dating

The district administration has sought assistance from the ASI to conduct carbon dating of the temple and the well to determine their historical age.

Two damaged idols were discovered inside the well of the Bhasma Shankar temple in Sambhal, which reopened last week after being locked for 46 years, officials said on Monday. Meanwhile, the district administration has written to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct carbon dating on the temple and the well to determine their age.

The Shri Kartik Mahadev Temple, also known as the Bhasma Shankar temple, was reopened on December 13 during an anti-encroachment drive that uncovered the covered structure. The temple, which houses a Shivling and an idol of Lord Hanuman, had remained locked since 1978 following communal riots. Authorities had also planned to reopen the well situated near the temple.

Sanjeev Sharma, who was present at the site, reported the discovery of a damaged Lakshmi idol in the well, while Satendra Kumar Singh said a Parvati idol was found about 15-20 feet deep. Subdivisional Magistrate Vandana Mishra confirmed receiving information from the local SHO about the discovery and stated that more details were being gathered.

The district administration has sought assistance from the ASI to conduct carbon dating of the temple and the well to determine their historical age. District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya remarked, "This is the temple of Kartik Mahadev. A well, referred to as Amrit Koop, has been found here. Encroachments are being removed, and we have written to the ASI for carbon dating of the temple and the well." Carbon dating is a scientific method used to ascertain the age of archaeological artefacts and ancient structures.

Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar stated that roads leading to the temple are now covered by CCTV cameras, and a control room is being set up to monitor security. Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel have also been deployed to ensure round-the-clock protection.

Mahant Acharya Vinod Shukla, the temple priest, said devotees have begun visiting the temple to offer prayers. Local resident Mohit Rastogi expressed gratitude for the reopening, sharing how he had heard about the temple from his grandfather. “I thank the district administration for allowing us to reconnect with our heritage,” he said after offering water to the Shivling.

The temple is located in the Khaggu Sarai area, just over a kilometre from the Shahi Jama Masjid, where violence erupted on November 24 during a protest against a court-ordered survey of the mosque.

The temple had been locked since 1978 after communal riots reportedly displaced the local Hindu community. Vishnu Shankar Rastogi, the 82-year-old patron of the Nagar Hindu Mahasabha, recounted how the riots forced his community to migrate. "This temple, dedicated to our Kulguru, has been locked since then," he said.

The reopening comes as part of a broader administrative campaign to address encroachments and other issues in the area. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the temple’s rediscovery as a symbol of “our enduring heritage and the truth of our history.”