After Sambhal, Varanasi, Bulandshahr, now Gauri Shankar Temple, which was closed for 44 years, has been found in Moradabad. When the Municipal Corporation team excavated the sanctum sanctorum, a Shivalinga and several 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 of Nandi, Ganesha, Kartikeya and Lord Hanuman found in Gauri Shankar temple
Broken idols of Nandi, Ganesha, Kartikeya and Lord Hanuman have been recovered from Gauri Shankar Temple in Moradabad, which has been 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.
This temple was closed for a long time
The temple was closed for a long time, hence due to lack of maintenance its condition has deteriorated. Now it is being cleaned and painted to make it fit for worship. During inspection of this religious site, the team found that both the gates of the temple were blocked by debris and masonry in the year 1980. It is also learned that 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 took stock of the temple located in Jhabbu Ka Nala area of Nagfani area of the city three days ago and on Monday, cleaning and excavation work was done under 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 told that 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. Old idols, Shivalinga and fragmented idols have also been found inside the temple. Now we have vacated the entire temple. We are making every effort to bring it back to its original form.
He said that the first phase of cleaning has been done and now the statues will be installed. Broken idols have been found inside the Gauri Shankar temple, including the Shivalinga. Apart from this, we are also checking the records to see if there is any encroachment.
