Three Broken Idols Unearthed in Well During Sambhal's Bhasma Shankar Temple Excavation
 

Recently, the Bhasma Shankar temple has come into limelight as three broken idols were found from a well during excavation at Sambhal. The temple, which was closed since 1978, was reopened on December 13, 2024, as a part of an anti-encroachment drive undertaken by the local administration at Sambhal. Sambhal local administration unearthed the structure of the temple after conducting a proper investigation and reported the same before the public.

During the digging process, which reached a depth of 10-12 feet, authorities discovered the first idol of Goddess Parvati, found with a broken head. Shortly after, the idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi were also unearthed. The idols were severely damaged, raising questions about how they ended up in the well. The District Magistrate of Sambhal, Rajender Pensiya, has confirmed that the investigations will be conducted to understand whether the idols were intentionally placed in the well after being damaged.

The Bhasma Shankar temple is one of the prominent landmarks of the Khaggu Sarai area of Sambhal, and its reopening after 46 years has stirred much interest. The temple originally housed a Lord Hanuman idol and a Shivling and is part of the heritage of Sambhal that endures. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed the temple's reopening, citing its historical and cultural significance, and questioned the delayed justice for the violent incidents that took place in Sambhal more than four decades ago.

The temple opening has been linked to the efforts that are being made by the district administration to clear the encroachment and restore the old structure. The district magistrate has confirmed that some of the encroachments have been removed, while others have been asked to vacate the place. In the process, ASI has been asked to conduct carbon dating to ascertain the age of the temple and its well, which will justify its historical timeline.

The drive by the authorities continued on 16 December in such a manner that all encroachment around the temple would be removed. MLA of the Local Iqbal Mahmood was also included in this operation.

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