Puja performed with Vedic chants
Amethi (Uttar Pradesh) – A puja was conducted after 20 years at the 120-year- old Panch Shikhar Shiva Temple in Aurangabad, located in Amethi district. The ritual was performed on February 16 with Vedic chants under tight security provided by the police and administration. (Hindus have to seek help from the administration and police to reclaim their temples, while Muslims easily take over Hindu temples. This is disgraceful for Hindus ! – Editor). A lot of devotees gathered for the occasion, and the entire area resonated with chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev.’
This temple was built by Jethuram 120 years ago, but for the past 20 years, it has been encroached upon by Muslims, leading to its closure. The villagers appealed to the administration to free the Panch Shikhar Shiva temple. Following their appeal, action was taken, and the temple was reopened for devotees.
According to the villagers, the temple was previously under the supervision of priest Ganesh Tiwari and his family. However, two decades ago, they were forced to leave. After that, Muslims encroached upon the temple and worship was discontinued. Now, thanks to the administration’s action, the temple has been reopened for devotees.
Many Such Temples Closed or Encroached Upon
According to locals, there are several historical religious sites in and around Amethi that have either been closed for various reasons or have fallen victim to encroachment. They have urged the administration to free such temples and uphold religious freedom. (Why should such demands even be necessary ? Why doesn’t the administration take the initiative to identify and reopen these temples on its own ? – Editor)