VARANASI: Shri Kashi Vidwat Parishad (SKVP), a body of Varanasi scholars, said Thursday that initial research on a temple that lay closed for decades in communally sensitive Madanpura’s Devnathpura locality indicated it was indeed of Siddheshwar Mahadev.
However, SKVP general secretary Ram Narain Dwivedi said Thursday, the scholars will conduct a physical survey of the temple after collecting details on the water body, Siddhkali, and other temples in the vicinity as mentioned in Hindu scriptures and ancient maps. At present, only Siddheshwar Mahadev temple is evident in Devnathpura, and the water body mentioned is not visible. According to Dwivedi, it’s possible that the water body is covered with a platform and the temples went under the houses built there in past decades.
“The oldest maps are being searched to find where those water bodies and temples were likely to be found. We are collecting all evidence as, in case the matter went to litigation, we will have to produce them before the court. We will proceed further once everything is clear and confirmed,” he added.
“We are stepping forward very cautiously to ensure everything is in accordance with the scriptures. Cooperation of administration is being sought to collect necessary information,” he said, adding, “SKVP is of the view that if all Shiva temples mentioned in scriptures are found, we will consider ways for their restoration and renovation. If it is found that those temples exist in any building, which has been sold to any individual, we will find ways to purchase those buildings.”
SKVP said Akhara Parishad, Mahamandaleshwars, and seers had contacted them to take care of the temple. “They expressed a wish to adopt not only Siddheshwar Mahadev, but all other abandoned temples to make arrangements for regular worship,” Dwivedi said.