Sambhal mentioned in 5,000-year-old scriptures, pre-dates Islam: Yogi Adityanath

The chief minister also claimed Hindu temples were demolished. “The evidence for these things has existed for centuries. Remember, in 1526, Sri Hari Temple was demolished in Sambhal. Two years later, in 1528, the Ram temple in Ayodhya was destroyed,” Adityanath claimed, adding that both acts were done by Mir Baqi, commander of Mughal emperor Babur.

Claiming that Sambhal has had 68 sacred places, Adityanath said so far, 18 have been “reclaimed”. “There were 19 ancient wells that have been revived. After 56 years, for the first time, there was the ritual offering of water at Lord Shiva’s temple in Sambhal,” Adityanath said.

Challenging all those questioning “the truth of Sambhal”, Adityanath said that it would be better if they first read Puranas and then come to have a debate with him.

Asserting that ‘bhagwa’ (saffron) is his identity and the “entire world will wear it one day”, Adityanath said: “I am a yogi and respect every sect and method of worship.”

Citing an example of how provision has been made in the current Budget for Mathura and Vrindavan, the chief minister said: “Jab avasar milta hai to chukna nahi chahiye” (When one gets the opportunity then they should not leave it).”

The BJP leader also told the Opposition to “stop glorifying invaders”, and added that once “truth like Sambhal” would come out then such people would be left hiding their faces.

The chief minister said that he believed that every style of worship, be it under sanatan or across the world, has something good. “That is why so many people associated themselves with it. It’s not acceptable when someone suppresses others’ faith to glorify their own,” Adityanath added.

Citing the statement of Indonesian President during Republic Day event in which he claimed that he has “Indian DNA”, Adityanath said that all those who eat in “Bharat” and speak against it should first get their DNAs tested.

He went on to say that while the present responsibility has been given to him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party but he has the blessings of the people.

Speaking about Prayagraj where Maha Kumbh was recently concluded, the CM said sites, including Akshay Vat, Saraswati Koop, Patalpuri, Shringverpur, Dwadash Madhav, and Bhagwan Beni Madhav, were freed from mafia control, allowing devotees to visit them throughout the year.

Adityanath said that Prayagraj, the land of the world’s first Gurukul, had been overrun by mafias under past governments. He said that Akshay Vat was confined and nearly destroyed during the colonial rule, depriving devotees of its darshan for 500 years.