Lucknow, Mar 12 : Sambhal has been mentioned in scriptures 5,000 years ago and predates Islam, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Wednesday amid a controversy over the origins of a mosque believed by some to be built on the site of a demolished temple. The Vishnu temple in the town was destroyed in 1526 and two years later so was the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the chief minister said while asserting that ‘bhagwa' (saffron) is his identity and the “entire world will wear it one day”. Sambhal has been mentioned in scriptures that are 5,000 years old. They contain references to Lord Vishnu's future incarnation. Islam, on the other hand, emerged only 1,400 years ago. I am talking about something that predates Islam by at least 2,000 years," Adityanath said at an event in Lucknow.

The evidence for these things has existed for centuries. Remember, in 1526, a temple of Lord Vishnu in Sambhal was demolished. Two years later, in 1528, the Ram temple in Ayodhya was destroyed," Adityanath said. He claimed that both acts were done by Mir Baqi, commander of Mughal emperor Babur, but excavation efforts in Sambhal have uncovered 18 ancient pilgrimage sites. Tension has been simmering in Sambhal since last November after riots erupted during a court-ordered survey of Shahi Jama Masjid. The survey was ordered following claims that the mosque was built over the ruins of a Hindu temple allegedly destroyed during the Mughal era. The survey led to protests, which escalated into violent clashes between local residents and the police. The violence resulted in four deaths and injuries to many.

Addressing a gathering at the event titled, 'Manthan: Kumbh and Beyond', organised by RSS-linked weeklies Organiser and Panchjanya, Adityanath said, "I am a Yogi. I respect every sect, community and form of worship. If you visit Gorakhnath Peeth, you will see that there is no discrimination against anyone." People of all castes, regions and sects sit together and eat from the same plate and all sadhus, regardless of their religious affiliations receive equal respect, he said. Adityanath said the spirit of India's Vedic tradition, as expressed in the Upanishads, is deeply ingrained in the people. Every method of worship, whether associated with Sanatan Dharma or any other faith in the world, has some inherent goodness, which is why so many people follow them. But forcibly seizing someone's faith and trampling over their beliefs is unacceptable, especially when we know the truth about Sambhal," the CM said.

Asserting that Sambhal has always been a pilgrimage site, he claimed that it had 68 sacred places, and so far, 18 have been "reclaimed". There were 19 ancient wells which we have revived. After 56 years, for the first time, there was the ritual offering of water at Lord Shiva's temple in Sambhal," Adityanath said. Targeting opposition parties, Adityanath said, "What were these so-called leaders doing all this time? They have only been busy dividing people in the name of religion and caste." They should first read the scriptures before attempting to challenge him in a debate, the chief minister added.

Adityanath said India was going to lead the world in the 21st century and the path to global welfare will begin here. In Ayodhya, after 500 years, Lord Ram was finally enshrined at his birthplace in January 2024. The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in 2025 also is an example for all those who doubted (the state's management of the event)," Adityanath said. He added, "The world is following India's lead. Wherever Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi goes, the world welcomes him with great respect, and feels honoured to host him." India, Adityanath said, has moved in a new direction and is on its way to becoming a developed nation. The best example of India's stature is evident from a recent statement by the president of Indonesia, he said. Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world, celebrates 'Ramleela' as its national festival, its currency features Lord Ganesha and its national airline is named after Garuda, the chief minister said.

The president of Indonesia himself said that if his DNA were tested, it would be found to be Indian," he said, adding that this should be a "lesson" for many. Those who thrive on India's resources should first get their DNA tested before making statements and they should stop glorifying foreign invaders. Otherwise, when historical truths like that of Sambhal come to light, they will have nowhere to hide," Adityanath said. The chief minister said his government will use every opportunity it gets to serve the people. Referring to the public health emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic, Adityanath said serving people and providing them with support was top priority. I was entrusted with this responsibility by Prime Minister Modi and our party, but the blessings are of the people," he said, adding that his government stood by the people during the pandemic. the world may think whatever it wants about me, but I indeed wear the 'bhagwa' (saffron-coloured clothes associated with Hinduism). "This is my identity and it is also the identity of our Sanatan tradition," Adityanath said. I take immense pride in it and mark my words - one day, the entire world will wear it," he added. 

/Agencies