The search for Hindu heritage sites in Uttar Pradesh has gained momentum following the controversy over the Jama Masjid in Sambhal. Recently, several ancient temples and structures have been rediscovered, shedding light on the region’s rich cultural history.
152-Year-Old Banke Bihari Temple Found in Chandausi
The uncovering of ancient temples in Uttar Pradesh continues, with a 152-year-old Banke Bihari temple and a 150-year-old stepwell (bawdi) discovered in the Lakshmanganj area of Chandausi. The stepwell, spread across 400 square meters, is believed to have been constructed during the reign of the maternal grandfather of the Raja of Bilari.
The Banke Bihari temple, once located in a Hindu-majority area, is now in a predominantly Muslim neighborhood. Over time, the temple fell into ruins, and in 2010, the idols were reportedly vandalized, leaving the temple abandoned. The perpetrators behind the vandalism remain unknown.
Ancient Temple Rediscovered in Muzaffarnagar’s Laddhawala
A similar story unfolded in Muzaffarnagar’s Laddhawala locality, where a Shiva temple, built in 1970, was abandoned following communal tensions in 1992. The temple has since turned into a ruin as the area’s Hindu residents moved away.
Reopening of Sambhal’s 46-Year-Old Bhasma Shankar Temple
In Sambhal, the 46-year-old Bhasma Shankar temple, which had been closed for decades, was recently reopened. This event has sparked a broader discussion about the preservation of Hindu heritage and cultural identity.
These rediscoveries have raised important questions about the state of Hindu heritage and its preservation. Do these events not remind us of the need to protect and preserve our cultural identity? It’s high time for collective awareness and action to safeguard our religious and cultural heritage.
