Days after reopening, prayers were offered under tight security at the Bhasma Shankar temple in Sambhal on Monday, as PTI reported. The Sambhal district administration has requested the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct carbon dating on the temple and a nearby well, officials said, following the temple’s reopening after being locked since 1978 due to communal riots in the town.

After 45 years, the doors of the Bhasma Shankar temple, located in Khaggu Sarai, were reopened on Friday. The temple had remained closed since 1978 after communal riots displaced the local Hindu community.

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Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vandana Mishra, who was leading the drive, 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,” Mishra said, adding that the temple had been closed for decades and the local residents confirmed it had been locked since 1978.

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For the locals, the reopening of the Bhasma Shankar temple represents more than just the revival of a place of worship; it marks a reconnection with their history.

Elderly residents recall the temple’s deep significance. Many remember living in Khaggu Sarai before the 1978 riots forced their community to leave the area. Since then, the temple, dedicated to their Kulguru, remained locked. Others spoke about the temple’s historical value. The temple had been closed for years when only one community lived in the area, with many locals believing it is at least 500 years old.

The reopening of the temple is seen as a step towards healing and a return to tradition for those who had once found comfort in visiting the site.

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Efforts to restore the site

The temple is not only a place of worship but also houses a well that authorities plan to restore.

The reopening is part of a larger administrative campaign to address encroachments and electricity theft near the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. The district has been under scrutiny after clashes broke out over a court-ordered survey of the mosque, which resulted in four deaths and several injuries, including among police officers.

Action on noise violations

In a separate move, authorities fined the imam of Anar Wali Masjid Rs 2 lakh for using a loudspeaker at an excessive volume. The administration has warned that further violations will not be tolerated.

For the people of Sambhal, the reopening of the Bhasma Shankar temple serves as a poignant reminder of the town’s turbulent past and a symbol of the healing process.