Bhubaneswar: A day before the reopening of the famous Lingaraj Temple, the precincts of famous 11th century shrine here has been sanitised by the Fire Services personnel on Saturday.
The ancient temple which has remained shut for devotees for last nine months due to Covid-19 pandemic will reopen from tomorrow in a phased manner.
As per the decision of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), the family members of the servitors will be allowed for darshan in the first phase starting from December 27 to 31. The shrine will remain closed for devotees on January 1 and 2 in anticipation of mass congregation due to New Year.
The residents of Bhubaneswar will get the opportunity to have darshan of the Lord from January 3. Finally, the temple will be thrown open to public from January 6.
The devotees, however, have to adhere to the Covid-19 protocols strictly during darshan. The BMC has clarified that the devotees having Covid-19 negative report will only be allowed to enter the temple.
BMC Commissioner, Prem Chandra Chaudhury had earlier informed that a maximum 500 devotees will be allowed inside the temple at any given point of time to ensure proper implementation of Covid-19 guidelines.
All other temples and religious institutions coming under the BMC will also reopen from January 3 following the reopening of Lingaraj temple.