Devotees Offer Prayers as Kashi Vishwanath Temple Reopens

Amid tight security and new normal norms, scores of devotees from Uttar Pradesh and other neighbouring states on Tuesday offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple here, when it was opened after almost two-and-a-half months.

The sanctum sanctorum was opened after priests performed a mangalarti. Security peronnel deployed at the vicinity ensured all the protocols being followed, including social distancing. Only those who wear masks are allowed inside the premises to offer their prayers.

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Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the temple trust Piyush Tiwari said, "Today, the doors of the Vishwanath shrine have been opened to the devotees at 6 a.m. in the morning. But entry into the temple without mask has been barred."

He also informed that the devotees were asked to sanitize their hands twice before entering into the temple. At one time only five devotees will be allowed to enter into the temple premises and touching of any statue or ringing the bells are strictly prohibited. In addition, it is mandatory for the devotees to undergo thermal scanning before admission.

In case a devotee who has a high temperature will not be allowed to enter the temple. Apart from this, the temple complex will be sanitized 5 times, he added.

However, the famous Sankatmochan shrine here has not been opened yet. After the completion of all the points in the 24 point check list issued by the district administration, the date of opening of the temple will be announced.

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Temple mahant Prof Vishwambhar Nath Mishra said, "Under my supervision, all the preparations were made to open the temple. According to the checklist, arrangements are being made accordingly. After the preparation is complete, the temple will be opened soon after consulting to the district administration. The date will be announced soon."

Online darshan has also started for the convenience of devotees in Kashi Vishwanath temple. It has been started by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. With this service, devotees can offer online puja like rudrabhishek and mahamrityunjaya, Tiwari said. (IANS)