Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has withdrawn the age restriction for devotees for entry into the Lord Lingaraj temple as the 11th century shrine reopened its door for public in the Capital City on Wednesday, after remaining closed for almost nine months due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Earlier, the BMC had barred the entry of devotees above 65 years and below 10 years. However, the decision had to be altered after some elderly devotees from outside the state expressed their resentments over the age cap.
However, Covid-19 negative report has been made mandatory for the devotees to have entry into the temple. They have to produce Covid-19 negative report obtained during the last 96 hours.
“Temporary kiosks have been put up near the temple for testing Covid-19 free of cost. Visitors without test reports could avail the testing facility before entering the shrine,” said Zonal Deputy Commissioner Anshuman Rath.
According to reports, the authorities have also put up barricades outside the temple to ensure smooth darshan and proper implementation of the Covid-19 guidelines. Visitors are strictly following the Covid-19 protocols like wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and sanitization of their hands before entry. A maximum of 500 devotees are allowed to enter the temple at any given time.
Earlier on December 27, the temple had reopened its door for servitors and their family members. The citizens of Bhubaneswar were exclusively given the opportunity for the darshan of their revered deity from January 3-5.