'Shivling' vandalised at UP’s Unnao temple; one arrested

A 'Shivling' at the historic Billeshwar Mahadev temple in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district was found vandalised on Wednesday, sparking outrage among locals, officials said.

The police have arrested a man, identified as Awadhesh Kurmi, a resident of Amonua Khera village, reportedly suffering from depression, in connection with the incident, which occurred at the temple located in the Purwa Kotwali area on the Purwa-Maurawan road, 3 km from the tehsil headquarters, they added.

Confirming the arrest, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akhilesh Singh said the accused, who appeared to be mentally disturbed due to his wife's prolonged illness, admitted to vandalising the 'Shivling' out of frustration. He also confessed to damaging another 'Shivling' nearby.

The locals believed that the 'Shivling' revered for its religious and historical significance dated back to the Mahabharata era, officials said.

Condemning the act, Ajay Trivedi from the Hindu Jagran Manch said the desecration of the 'Shivling' had deeply hurt the sentiments of the devotees.

It was believed that Lord Krishna and Arjuna rested here during their journey from Hastinapur, and the former consecrated the 'Shivling' after offering prayers, locals said.

Arjuna was said to have struck the ground with an arrow to create a water source for the ritual, which remained part of the temple complex to this day, they added.

The Billeshwar Mahadev temple held a special place among the devotees, who believed that bathing in its sacred pond cleansed sins.