Ancient Well Unearthed at Sacred Shahzadi Sarai Site in Sambhal, UP
In a moment of spiritual significance, an ancient well was recently uncovered at the sacred Kshema Nath Tirth site in Shahzadi Sarai, Sambhal. Sealed for years, this well contains clean water, and its rediscovery has sparked excitement and reverence among the local community and pilgrims.
BREAKING | An ancient tunnel near the well, along with several room-like structures on either side, discovered in Sambhal, UP
Excavation work is ongoing to uncover more details.
Sambhal’s ancient history is unfolding before our eyes, with every chapter waiting to be revealed 🙌 pic.twitter.com/oHwwmaDQ8y
— Ashwini Shrivastava (@AshwiniSahaya) December 22, 2024
The well was uncovered as part of restoration efforts underway to preserve the historical and religious importance of the site. According to Sambhal’s Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Vandana Mishra, the administration is actively working to revive the well and its surroundings. She confirmed the discovery at the revered Kshem Nath Tirtha, stating, “We have received information about the well being found, and the people are working to restore it.”
A Sacred Find: Clean Water After Years of Sealing
The well, which had been buried and sealed for decades, was reopened by a dedicated team of volunteers led by Mahant Bal Yogi Deenanath, the head priest of Kshema Nath Tirth. When the well was uncovered at a depth of around eight feet, it revealed an astonishing discovery: clean water, a rare find in an ancient well that had remained undisturbed for so long.
“This is truly a divine blessing,” Mahant Deenanath shared with the media. He further explained that the well had once served as a vital water source for pilgrims performing the revered 24 Kos Parikrama—a sacred pilgrimage circuit. The discovery has not only stunned locals but has also renewed the significance of the pilgrimage site for devotees.
Kshema Nath Tirth: A Historic Pilgrimage Site
Kshema Nath Tirth, also known as Neemasar Tirth, is one of India’s 68 sacred pilgrimage sites and is associated with the larger Naimisharanya Tirth in Sitapur district. Pilgrims from across the country visit this site, believed to fulfill their wishes, especially after completing the 24 Kos Parikrama. The presence of Baba Kshema Nath Ji’s samadhi (tomb) at this location further solidifies its spiritual importance.
“The discovery of the well reinforces the divine status of Kshema Nath Tirth and further strengthens its connection with the faithful,” said Mahant Deenanath, reflecting on the site’s deep historical and religious roots.
The Kshema Nath Tirth area is already known for its significance in Hindu mythology, and the reopening of the well is viewed as an auspicious event for the people of the region. Local devotees who have been attending the pilgrimage for years were thrilled by the rediscovery of this ancient water source, which had long been forgotten beneath a reinforced cement concrete (RCC) cover.
The Role of Local Volunteers in the Discovery
The excavation work to uncover the well was carried out by a group of local volunteers, led by Mahant Deenanath, who broke through the cement cover to reveal the hidden treasure. The well’s intact condition, despite its long closure, surprised many, and its revival is now a focal point for both religious and conservation efforts in the region.
This discovery also sheds light on the well’s historical role in the daily lives of pilgrims. As Mahant Deenanath pointed out, the well was once a key source of water for visitors at the pilgrimage site, and its restoration holds great cultural and spiritual importance. Now, with efforts underway to preserve the structure and enhance its accessibility, the ancient well is expected to once again play a pivotal role in the community’s religious practices.
A Landmark Discovery in Laxman Ganj
The recent discovery in Shahzadi Sarai is not the only historical find in Sambhal. In another remarkable development, a stepwell, believed to be around 150 years old, was unearthed in the nearby Laxman Ganj area of Chandousi, Sambhal. The stepwell covers an area of approximately 400 square meters and was discovered during excavation work that began on Saturday. Krishna Kumar Sonkar, the executive officer of Chandausi Municipality, praised the discovery as highly significant, noting that it holds both historical and cultural value.
This discovery follows another significant event in Sambhal: the reopening of the Bhasma Shankar Temple, which had been closed for over 46 years. These finds highlight the region’s rich historical and spiritual heritage, which continues to captivate locals and visitors alike.
Restoring Sambhal’s Sacred Sites
Both the ancient well in Kshema Nath Tirth and the stepwell in Laxman Ganj are part of a broader effort to restore and preserve Sambhal’s sacred and historical sites. The region is slowly gaining attention for its rich cultural and religious legacy, with authorities and volunteers working together to safeguard these treasures for future generations.
The restoration efforts at Kshema Nath Tirth are expected to include the cleaning of the well, the strengthening of its structure, and improvements to the surrounding area to accommodate more visitors. Local authorities are also looking at incorporating sustainable practices in the restoration process, ensuring that these sacred sites remain preserved while also promoting tourism and pilgrimage.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Sambhal’s Sacred Sites
The recent discoveries in Sambhal, from the ancient well at Kshema Nath Tirth to the stepwell in Laxman Ganj, are more than just historical finds—they are symbols of the region’s deep cultural and religious significance. As efforts to restore these sites progress, they will continue to serve as powerful reminders of the enduring connection between the local community and their spiritual heritage.
For locals and pilgrims alike, the reopening of the well at Kshema Nath Tirth is a divine blessing that reconnects them with the past while offering new hope for the future of their sacred traditions.