Hindu Temple, Believed To Be 250 Years Old, Found In Varanasi's Madanpura
The temple, which the locals claimed to be Siddheshwar Mahadev temple, was lying closed for over 40 years, and is said to be over 250 years old.
Uttar Pradesh (UP) was in for yet another ‘discovery’ when a case of another long-closed temple came to light in Madanpura, a Muslim-majority locality in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency. The temple, which the locals claimed to be Siddheshwar Mahadev temple, was lying closed for over 40 years, and is said to be over 250 years old. Officials are probing the circumstances of its closure and taking steps to re-open the temple. This comes just four days after a Shiv temple, also in a predominantly Muslim area that was lying locked for 46 years, was reopened by the district administration in Sambhal.
Ajay Sharma, Uttar Pradesh president of the Sanatan Raksha Dal, said that the temple, now situated in a predominantly Muslim-inhabited area, has been neglected for years. Its premises are littered with dirt and debris. Sharma is the one who was first to spot the long closed temple in Madanpura and to inform the police.
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The discovery of the temple in Madanpura, Varanasi, created a stir as large crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the ancient structure, believed to be over 250 years old. The news spread rapidly, prompting the locals to throng the area and demand the immediate reopening of the temple. Some women from Bengali tola also blew conch, appreciating the new finding. On precautionary basis, heavy police force have been deployed in the area to manage the situation and maintain peace.
Sharma further claimed that the surrounding land around the temple, once owned by Hindus, had gradually been purchased by Muslim families, which led to the temple’s abandonment over time. Sharma stated that there was no opposition or controversy regarding the reopening, adding that the police had extended their cooperation. “Discussions with the mayor to re-open the temple have also taken place, and the situation remains amicable," he said.
The Siddheshwar Mahadev temple, standing approximately 40 feet tall, is a remarkable structure believed to be around 250 years old, as per claims by members of the Sanatan Raksha Dal. The temple’s architectural style showcases towering spires, intricate carvings, and elaborate stucco work adorning its outer walls. These features are deeply rooted in ancient Indian traditions, reflecting a profound connection to Hindu scriptures and mythology. Other than this, the group also claimed to have unearthed other temples.
“On receiving information about people gathering to reopen the temple, Dashaswamedh police reached the spot. No local resident expressed any objection to reopening the temple or continuing prayers there," said Gaurav Bansal, DCP Kashi Zone, Varanasi.
However, the administration said that the call to re-open the temple would be taken only after going through the past of the temple. “It’s an old temple, and we are working to obtain its historical records. These documents will help us understand the temple’s history, its ownership, and the circumstances that led to its closure. Only after carefully reviewing all aspects will a decision on reopening the temple be made," said Alok Verma, ADM City, Varanasi who inspected the temple.
On December 14, district administration officials in Sambhal discovered a long-closed temple in the Khaggu Sarai area, which had reportedly been abandoned for the last 46 years. According to local accounts, the temple’s owners, along with over 40 Hindu families residing in the area, were forced to leave following communal clashes that erupted in 1978. The violence compelled these families to migrate for their safety, leaving behind their properties, including the temple.
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