The famous Lingaraj Temple in Bhubanenswar has been closed for public darshan. The decision was taken by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Sunday (April 18th) in larger public interest after a number of servitors of the 11th century shrine tested positive for Covid-19.
As per an advisory issued by the BMC, the public entry into the shrine is restricted until further orders to curb the spread of the virus. However, the temple will remain open for usual rituals which will be conducted by the servitors only. The Ashokastami Car Festival will be observed by the temple administration as per the plan. As many as four servitors of Lingaraj temple tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 24 hours.
The temple was reopened for devotees on January 6th, 2021, after it had been closed for nine months because of the pandemic restrictions last year.