Two damaged idols of Lakshmi and Parvati were discovered in a well at the recently reopened Bhasma Shankar temple in Sambhal. The temple, shut for 46 years, was rediscovered during an anti-encroachment drive.

The Sambhal temple had been closed for decades and the local residents confirmed it had been locked since 1978. Morning aarti was being performed at the temple.

The ancient temple had remained locked since 1978 after the communal riots that led to the displacement of the local Hindu community in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.

The chief minister spoke about the temple in Sambhal that was unlocked recently after decades, following an anti-encroachment drive by the local administration

Name of the Shiva-Hanuman Temple painted outside the temple in Sambhal, along with 'Om Namah Shivaya' and 'Har Har Mahadeva' slogans on 16. Morning Aarti was performed at the Shiva Temple after 42 Years on 15.

The Bhasma Shankar temple was reopened on Friday after authorities said that they "stumbled" upon the covered structure during an anti-encroachment drive.

As authorities reopened a temple in Sambhal locked since 1978 following communal riots, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said the temple did not reappear overnight and represents and quot;our enduring heritage and the truth of our history and quot;

According to Sambhal officials they "stumbled" upon the Hindu temple when an anti-encroachment drive was carried out in the Khaggu Sarai area close to the Shahi Jama Masjid

The temple came to light after Vishnu Sharan Rastogi, the patron of the Nagar Hindu Sabha, alerted officials about its presence. After the temple's reopened on December 14, police security was deployed around the premises to maintain peace.