On Monday, a Shiv Temple in Varanasi was reopened. The temple is located in a predominantly Muslim locality; the Siddheshwar Mahadev temple was closed for several centuries, but with the presence and assistance of police and administrative authorities, the temple was reopened. Sanatan Rakshak Dal made the request last month, which followed the temple’s opening, which claimed ownership of the site and sought permission for its reopening and religious rituals.
Three damaged Shiva Lingams, as well as a large amount of debris and soil, were found inside the temple. The temple’s restoration is planned after the conclusion of the Hindu month of Kharmas. With the help of the gas cutter, the temple’s lock was cut open.
“The temple had been locked for over 100 Years”, Deputy Commissioner of Police Kashi, Gaurav Banswal stated. “The debris was being cleared with care to preserve any artefacts that might be found. Security arrangements, including police personnel, PAC, drone surveillance, and rooftop monitoring, were deployed to maintain order during the reopening of the temple”, he stated.
“The residents of the area cooperated, and there was no opposition to reopening the temple”, said Additional District Magistrate Alok Verma. The municipal corporation assisted in cleaning the temple and revealed over two feet of accumulated soil.
“The worship rituals will take place in the temple”, said Alok Verma
“The residents of Kashi had led to the reopening of the temple”, said Ajay Sharma, state president of the Sanatan Rakshak Dal.
Further, he mentioned that the three damaged Shiva lingams would undergo a reinstallation ceremony after Kharmas ends, following traditional procedures.
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