Local Hindus have been performing puja at the temple, which is close to Shahi Jama Masjid, since the Sambhal police and district administration unlocked its main gate on Saturday.

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

Sambhal Temple News; the local administration in Sambhal continued its anti-encroachment drive for the second day on Monday. The drive was carried out near SP MLA Iqbal Mahmood's house. He is the sitting MLA from the constituency.

Officials said a Hanuman statue and a Shivling were found at the temple in Khaggu Sarai area, not far from the Shahi Jama Masjid where a court had ordered a survey last month.

The idols were found in the well near the Shiv-Hanuman Temple, which was opened on Saturday, December 14 after being closed for the last 46 years