Historical Sambhal in Hindu scriptures predating Islam: Yogi.

Sambhal mentioned in Hindu scriptures predating Islam, Vishnu temple destroyed in 1526, claims CM Adityanath.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Lucknow | March 13, 2025:: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently sparked controversy by stating that Sambhal has been mentioned in 5,000-year-old Hindu scriptures, predating Islam by at least 2,000 years. According to Adityanath, these ancient texts reference Lord Vishnu’s future incarnation, highlighting the town’s historical significance in Hinduism.

Sambhal’s rich history dates back to the Satya Yuga, with the town being known as Satyavrat. Over time, it was referred to as Mahadgiri, Pingala, and eventually Sambhal. The town boasts 68 pilgrimage sites and 19 water bodies, with a prominent ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu ².

Tensions in Sambhal have been simmering since November, following riots during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The survey aimed to investigate claims that the mosque was built on the ruins of a Hindu temple destroyed during the Mughal era. The situation escalated into violent clashes between locals and police.

Adityanath’s statement has added fuel to the fire, with the Chief Minister asserting that the demolition of the Vishnu temple in 1526 and the Ram temple in Ayodhya in 1528 are evidence of the town’s historical significance. The controversy surrounding Sambhal’s history and the mosque’s origins continues to be a sensitive topic.

See this related tweet:: https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1899747076428140867

Tension has been simmering since last November in Sambhal following a court-ordered survey at a mosque believed by some to be the site of a demolished temple.

Addressing a gathering at the event titled, ‘Manthan: Kumbh and Beyond’, Adityanath said, “I am a Yogi. I respect every sect, community and form of worship. If you visit Gorakhnath Peeth, you will see that there is no discrimination against anyone.

People of all castes, regions and sects sit together and eat from the same plate and all sadhus, regardless of their religious affiliations, have meals together and receive equal respect, he said.

“This is why I say that the spirit of India’s Vedic tradition, as expressed in the Upanishads, is deeply ingrained in us. Every method of worship, whether associated with Sanatan Dharma or any other faith in the world, has some inherent goodness, which is why so many people follow them. But forcibly seizing someone’s faith and trampling over their beliefs is unacceptable, especially when we know the truth about Sambhal.”

Friday prayers after 2 pm in Ayodhya

o accommodate Holi celebrations, Friday prayers in all mosques across Ayodhya will be offered after 2 pm this week, as instructed by Ayodhya Chief Cleric Mohammad Haneef. This adjustment aims to foster unity and respect for both festivals, as Holi and Juma Namaz coincide this year.

Haneef emphasized the importance of patience, generosity, and communal harmony during the celebrations. He encouraged Muslims to wish their Hindu neighbors “Holi Mubarak” and respond with kindness if colored by revelers.

The administration has also taken steps to ensure peaceful celebrations, with District Magistrate Chandra Vijay Singh announcing that Holika Dahan will only be permitted at traditional sites, and a control room has been set up to handle any emergencies.
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__Inputs from PTI.