COVID-19 prevention: Prominent temples in the city closed for devotees

 

Varanasi: In view of the threat of COVID-19 (corona virus) spread in the city, the prominent temples including Kashi Vishwanath, Annapurna and famous Sankat Mochan Temple have been closed as a precautionary measure.

Mahanth of Sankat Mochan Temple Prof Vishwambhar Nath Mishra said that the the temple has been closed till March 25, 2020. The decision was taken in larger interest of devotees who throng the temple in large numbers particularly on Saturdays and Tuesdays, he added.

 

“Though we had adopted all precautionary measures in the temple premises to prevent the spread of the virus and keep the devotees safe, it became essential to close the temple in view of the present scenario,” said the mahanth adding that the coming week is very crucial for the people to keep themselves safe from the virus.

 

Meanwhile, the normal routine of the temple and activities like bhog and aarti would continue as usual. The temple has been closed for the visiting devotees only, and the temple priests would continue the daily religious rituals. Further decision would be taken after the review of the situation in consultation with the district administration, he added.

 

The Kashi Vishwanath temple and Annapurna Mandir have been closed for devotees till March 24. The district magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma said that decision for closing temple for all devotees was taken in a meeting of temple trust on Friday evening. The decision will be effective from Saturday morning while all routine rituals and aartis will be performed by priests, he added.

 

Earlier, KVT administration had stopped entry of devotees inside sanctum sanctorum while washing and sanitizing hands before entry had been made mandatory.