Bhubaneswar (SunstarTV Bureau): The Lingaraj Temple in Odisha capital reopened after a closure of 9 months for the COVID-19 pandemic, today.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued detailed guidelines for the reopening of the temple.
The guidelines mentioned that from 27.12.2020 to 31.12.2020, only sevayats and sevayats’ families will be allowed to enter the temple with strict observance of COVID – 19 safety protocols.
On 01.01.2021 and 02.01.2021, the temple will remain closed even for the sevayats. However, the daily rituals will take place.
Other guidelines include:
- From 03.01.2021 to 05.01.2021, the temple will be opened exclusively for the citizens of Bhubaneswar by observing strict COVID-19 safety protocol. However, the devotees will have to produce COVID negative reports obtained during the last 5 days before going inside the temple.
- From 06.01.2021, tourists and devotees from other parts of the state/country will be allowed inside the temple with strict observance of COVID-19 safety protocol.
- At one point of time, maximum of 500 nos. of devotees will be allowed from Singhadwar to Ada Katha till 31.01.2021.
- Sahan darshan/Garvagruha darshan will be completely banned till 31.01.2021. The decision on the maximum nos. of devotees that can be allowed after 31.01.2021 will be made after assessing the COVID situation after 31.01.2021.
- Thermal screening centre and antigen test centre near the temple will be made functional from 03.01.2021 to 15.01.2021 in two batches from 7.00 A.M to 10.00 P.M.
- The antigen testing is mandatory for those who come with close contact with the public such as sevayats, police personnel on duty, flower sellers, samarth sevaks etc.
- All the devotees will have to wear mask appropriately.
- Social distancing of six feet has to be maintained by all the devotees.
- Hand washing/hand sanitizer facility for the devotees will be provided by the temple trust at entry and exit points.
- Those with SARI/ILI like symptoms shall not be allowed inside the temple. Other vulnerable group of people such as person with co-morbidities, elderly persons, pregnant women or children below 10 years of age are advised not to visit the temple.
