A four-member team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently investigated a newly discovered temple, five “teeth” and 19 wells in Sambhar, Uttar Pradesh. This examination is part of an ongoing effort to assess the archaeological significance of these finds.
According to District Magistrate Dr. Rajender Pensiya, the investigation took approximately 8 to 10 hours and covered a total of 24 districts.
Investigation details
The ASI team focused on several key sites, including the recently discovered temple of Shri Kartik Mahadev (also known as the Bhasma Shankar Temple), as well as five “teeth” and 19 wells in the area.
Justice Dr Pensiya said the ASI would submit a detailed report on its findings, which was expected to provide further insights into the historical and cultural importance of the sites.
Call for carbon dating of temple and well
In response to the discovery, the Sambhar district government has asked ASI to conduct carbon dating of the newly discovered temples and wells. This will help to establish the age and historical context of these buildings, revealing their importance to the heritage of the area.
Shri Kartik Mahadev temple reopened
One of the most striking aspects of this archaeological survey is the reopening of the Shri Kartik Mahadev temple. The temple, closed since 1978 due to communal riots in the area, reopened for prayers on December 13.
The riots displaced Hindu families and left the temple inaccessible for decades. The reopening of the temple has attracted widespread attention, especially as the temple was spotted during anti-encroachment drives near the Shahi Jama Masjid.
The discovery of the temple comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, especially after clashes broke out between police forces and local residents over a court-ordered investigation into the Shahi Jama Masjid.
On November 24, violence broke out, killing 5 people and injuring 20 police officers. Since then, police have been deployed in the area to maintain order.
Supreme Court intervention
The current situation is also affected by recent legal developments. In November, India’s Supreme Court issued a directive ordering civil courts to stop hearing new suits challenging the ownership or ownership of religious places or to compel inquiries under the 1991 Religious Places Act.