Shiv temple ‘locked for over 100 years’ in Muslim area reopened in Varanasi.

Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple Reopened In Varanasi After 100 Years, 3 Damaged Shivlings Found. Consecration Likely Soon. 

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Varanasi | Jan 9, 2025:: A historic Shiva temple, Siddheshwar Mahadev, situated in a Muslim-dominated Madanpura area of Varanasi, was reopened after being locked for over a century. The Sanatan Raksha Dal had brought attention to the temple’s prolonged closure. The reopening ceremony took place on Monday, attended by district administration officials, representatives of various Hindu organizations, and local residents.

Following the reopening, regular worship services at the Siddheshwar Mahadev temple are slated to commence on January 14 (after the khar mas  –prohibited month), subsequent to consultations with esteemed religious leaders, including those from the Kashi Vidvat Parishad and the Annapurna Temple.

The Siddheshwar Mahadev temple in Varanasi, which was discovered in December, has been locked for over 100 years, as told. The Sanatan Rakshak Dal claimed ownership of the site and sought permission for its reopening and religious rituals last month. During the cleanup process, three damaged Shiva lingams were found, along with large amounts of debris and soil, according to sources.

The temple, located in the Madanpura area of Varanasi, is believed to be around 250 years old. The discovery of the temple has generated interest among locals and Hindu organizations, with efforts underway to restore and reopen the temple for worship.

The reopening of the temple in Varanasi was a smooth process, with no opposition from local residents, according to Additional District Magistrate Alok Verma. The community came together to clean the temple, uncovering over two feet of accumulated soil. Three Shiv lings were found  in damaged condition inside the temple. A decision on worship rituals is expected soon.

This recent development is reminiscent of another temple reopening in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal. The Bhasma Shankar temple, which houses an idol of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling, was locked for over 45 years following communal riots in 1978. It was rediscovered during an anti-encroachment drive and reopened by the local administration.

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Video Courtesy: Times Now Navbharat.

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