Days after a temple locked since 1978 was reopened in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, efforts are now underway to reopen a Shiv temple, reportedly 250 years old, in the Madanpura area of Varanasi that has been closed for nearly 40 years.

The temple, which had reportedly remained closed since 1978, was reopened on December 14 as part of an encroachment clearance operation carried out by local police and administration.

A Lord Shiva temple in Khaggu Sarai, Sambhal, closed since 1978, has been reopened, marking a revival of cultural practices. Nagar Hindu Sabha patron Vishnu Sharan Rastogi shared the temple’s history,

The encroachments along drains, particularly in areas around the mosque, have been an ongoing concern. The district administration launched a dedicated encroachment removal campaign in the Chandausi city on Friday and is expanding it to other parts of Sambhal.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday defended the recent survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, asserting that the exercise, conducted on court orders, was disrupted due to provocative speeches during Friday prayers.

The idols were found in the well near the Shiv-Hanuman Temple, which was opened on Saturday, December 14 after being closed for the last 46 years

The temple, located in Khaggu Sarai is just over a kilometre away from the Jama Masjid which is situated in Kot Garvi area.

Three broken idols, including one of Lord Ganesh and possibly Lord Kartikeya, were discovered during well excavation near a recently reopened Shiv-Han