The efforts to revive and reclaim ancient Hindu temples in Kanpur have taken a decisive turn as Hindu organizations intensify their search for temples that have either disappeared or been repurposed into buildings, shops, or other structures. Amid these developments, Kanpur’s BJP Mayor, Pramila Pandey, has emerged as a prominent figure leading the charge.

In a bold declaration, Mayor Pandey announced a comprehensive campaign to restore over 125 ancient temples located in Muslim-dominated areas of the city. She vowed to remove "encroachments and resume worship in these temples," emphasizing her commitment to bringing these historic places of worship back into the fold of the Hindu community.

Providing context to this initiative, Mayor Pandey stated that nearly two and a half years ago, these long-forgotten temples were rediscovered in areas predominantly inhabited by Muslims. According to her, these temples, once significant centers of faith and community life, had fallen into neglect and disrepair over the years. She asserted that efforts would now focus on reclaiming and restoring these sacred spaces, making them accessible once again for devotees.

In an interaction with reporters, Mayor Pandey highlighted the grim reality of these temples’ condition. She remarked, “Decades ago, this area was home to more than 100 temples—one after every ten houses. Today, they are nowhere to be seen. Even idols are missing, and the temples are either dilapidated or occupied.” Her statement reflects a deeper concern for the preservation of cultural and religious heritage that has been gradually eroded over time.

True to her commitment, Mayor Pandey donned a helmet and, accompanied by police forces, ventured into Muslim-majority areas to locate and assess temples that had been abandoned or encroached upon. The operation was carried out under heavy police presence to ensure peace and security. The local residents reportedly cooperated with the Mayor and her team during this process, which helped maintain a peaceful environment.

On Saturday, December 21, the Mayor and her team reclaimed several temples in the Bekanganj area, a locality that has long seen such structures fall into disuse. These temples had been left abandoned for years, with even the idols missing, marking a stark departure from their historical significance. Mayor Pandey identified and pledged to restore three such temples, breathing new life into spaces that had become relics of the past.

Mayor’s Warning

Kanpur Mayor Pramila Pandey issued a stern warning regarding encroachments on temple premises, emphasizing that these sacred spaces would soon be restored and reopened for worship. In a firm statement, she said, "Encroachments on temple premises would be cleared, and all temples would soon be opened for worship." Addressing the concerns of residents, she assured that while there is no objection to people living in these areas, “the temples will be restored. Daily worship will resume in these temples, and all encroachments will be removed. If needed, bulldozers will be used.”

The mayor’s determination was evident during her inspections, where she wore a helmet to symbolize her readiness to handle potential conflicts. Her visits were conducted under heavy security, with senior police officials, including ACP Swaroop Nagar, and officers from multiple police stations accompanying her. Mayor Pandey personally visited sites where temples once stood and instructed local authorities to prioritize the “immediate clearing of encroachments and restoration of temple structures.”

Her visit to the Bekanganj area on Saturday became the focal point of discussions across Kanpur, as she reiterated the “importance of reviving the historical and religious significance of these sites.” The move reflects her commitment to ensuring that these temples, long-neglected and encroached upon, regain their rightful place in the community.

Claims Of 'Demographic Change'

Mayor Pandey brought attention to the shifting demographics in Bekanganj, highlighting its transformation over the years. She pointed out that the area, once known as “Sunar Wali Gali,” was “predominantly inhabited by the Agarwal community, who built numerous temples in the area.” According to her, this vibrant Hindu-dominated locality before 1930 had temples, wells, or shrines at nearly every ten steps. However, with the migration of Hindus, the area transitioned into a predominantly Muslim locality and became known as Bekanganj.

Speaking about the peaceful restoration efforts in the area, she said, “The cleanup and restoration of three temples were carried out peacefully, with the cooperation of the Muslim community.” The Mayor emphasized that the demographic changes over time led to the neglect and eventual encroachment of these temples. She remarked, "Over time, the demographic changed, and the temples were gradually neglected or encroached upon."

Pandey underscored the cultural and historical importance of these temples, saying, “The temples here represent our heritage. Those who built them lived here peacefully, but today, not only are the temples missing, but the idols have also disappeared.” She promised swift action to resume worship in these reclaimed temples, declaring, “These temples will be reopened for daily prayers. Encroachments will not be tolerated anymore.”

The Mayor also outlined her ambitious plans to restore 125 such temples across Kanpur, many of which are currently defunct or encroached upon. She assured that the restoration efforts would include special preparations to respect all religions and communities, emphasizing the need for harmony. Additionally, she called upon local residents to take responsibility for preserving these temples, ensuring that they continue to stand as symbols of cultural and religious heritage.

Biryani Cooked Inside the Temple

One of the most shocking examples of encroachment is the Ram Janki Temple at Dr. Berry Chauraha, which has been reduced to ruins. Declared as enemy property, the once-grand temple now lies in a precarious state, with only fragments remaining that appear ready to collapse at any moment. Spread across nearly one acre, the temple premises have been heavily encroached upon. Allegedly, the temple was taken over by Mukhtar Baba, the main accused in the Kanpur violence. Reports reveal that the premises were used for cooking biryani. Mukhtar Baba is currently absconding, adding another layer of controversy to the story.

This temple, which was originally about 100 years old, held significant religious value, as it housed the idols of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. Once spanning 2,400 square yards, only a fraction of the original structure remains today. The destruction and misuse of such a historic site underscore the pressing need for preservation and reclamation of these sacred spaces.

Radha-Krishna Temple

Just 50 meters away from the Ram Janki Temple lies the Radha-Krishna Temple, another site marred by neglect and encroachment. While the front portion of the temple remains intact, the back has been occupied by a family who has installed a gate, asserting control over the area. Adjacent to the temple stands a shop named "Ajmeri Biryani," further illustrating the transformation of religious spaces into commercial establishments.

The temple itself has been sealed off from all sides, making entry impossible. A roadside section of the temple premises has also been converted into a shop, erasing its original purpose. To maintain order and prevent further encroachment, police have placed barricades in front of the temple. However, the barriers alone cannot restore the temple’s dignity, which has been significantly diminished over time.

Shiva Temple Turned Garbage Dump

In the Colonelganj area, a 125-year-old Shiva Temple has been discovered in a narrow lane, revealing another grim tale of neglect. This temple, situated in a Muslim-majority locality, has been closed for almost 70 years. Unlike the other temples, there is no encroachment inside its premises. However, the temple has become a garbage dump, with its structure sealed off entirely and filled with waste.

The dilapidated state of the temple poses an imminent threat of collapse. Posters featuring Muslim individuals are pasted on its gates, further erasing its identity as a sacred space. Built with narrow Lahori bricks, the temple still showcases its historical architectural style. However, most of the premises, apart from a small section, have been encroached upon, leaving little trace of its original grandeur.

Another Shiva Temple in Colonelganj

About 500 meters away from the first Shiva Temple in Colonelganj lies another neglected temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple, constructed roughly 100 years ago using Lahori bricks, stands as a grim reminder of Kanpur’s fading cultural and religious heritage. Once a site of devotion, the temple is now surrounded by shops, making its presence almost invisible amidst the bustling commercial activity.

Encroachment has engulfed both the front and back areas of the temple, with Muslim families now residing in these spaces. While faint signs of a Shivling can still be detected, the Shivling itself is entirely missing, erasing the temple’s original spiritual essence. The current state of the temple highlights the pressing need for efforts to restore and preserve these historically significant sites.

Support from Local Authorities

The campaign to reclaim and restore these temples has garnered support from local authorities. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Rajesh Srivastava confirmed that efforts to clean up small temples in the area were underway. He stated that temples encroached upon or left in disrepair were being restored with the active involvement of local residents.

ADCP Srivastava emphasized that the entire process was carried out peacefully and with cooperation from all stakeholders. The authorities’ role in ensuring a harmonious and collaborative environment for these efforts has been instrumental in reclaiming Kanpur’s cultural and religious landmarks.

This coordinated initiative between local authorities, residents, and Hindu organizations marks a crucial step toward preserving the city’s heritage. The peaceful and cooperative nature of these efforts reflects the shared recognition of the importance of these sacred spaces and their role in the community’s history and identity. The restoration campaign continues to gain momentum, bringing hope for the revival of these forgotten treasures.