Gauri Shankar Temple found in Moradabad: After Sambhal, Varanasi, Bulandshahr, now Gauri Shankar Temple, which was closed for 44 years, has been found in Moradabad. It is alleged that after the priest was killed in the 1980 riots, the temple was closed and both its gates were broken with bricks. Now when the Municipal Corporation team excavated the sanctum sanctorum, Shivalinga and many broken idols were found buried under the debris, which have been taken out. After cleaning the temple, the idol will be installed in it.
Broken idols found in a temple that was closed for 44 years!
Broken idols of Nandi, Ganesh, Kartikeya and Lord Hanuman have been recovered from Gauri Shankar Temple of Moradabad, which was closed for 44 years. Municipal Corporation officials were present on the spot and the temple was cleaned by the employees. However, no evidence of anyone’s occupation of the temple has emerged so far.
The temple is closed since 1980
The temple was closed for a long time, hence its condition has deteriorated due to lack of maintenance. Now it will be cleaned and painted to make it fit for worship. During the inspection of this religious place, the team found that bricks were installed on both the gates of the temple in the year 1980. The temple has been closed since the priest was killed in the 1980 riots. The priest’s grandson had submitted a petition to the Moradabad DM a week ago, requesting him to reopen the temple.
Excavation took place amid tight security
After this, the administration surveyed the temple located in Jhabbu ka Nala area of Nagfani area of the city three days ago and on Monday, it was cleaned and excavated amid tight security. During the excavation, idols of Hanumanji, Shivalinga and Nandi have been found and this process will continue till the temple comes in its complete form.
What did SDM say about the temple?
Sadar SDM Ram Mohan Meena said, ‘This temple was closed after the 1980 riots. Recently we came here and visited on Saturday also to see its condition. On Monday, a team of Municipal Corporation and a team of police force reached the spot. The walls of the temple were made of bricks and the sanctum sanctorum was evacuated by opening the doors. We are making all efforts to restore the temple to its original form.
He said, ‘The first step was cleaning and now the statues will be installed. Broken idols have been found inside the Gauri Shankar temple, including the Shivalinga. Apart from this, if there is any encroachment, we are also checking its records.
