Coronavirus scare: Thanjavur temple, three other ASI monuments to remain shut till March 31

TRICHY: Four monuments in the central region of Tamil Nadu, which are managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), will remain closed till March 31 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
ASI sources said it could not manage the footfall at Arulmigu Brihadeswara temple in Thanjavur, Arulmigu Airavateswara temple in Dharasuram (Thanjavur), Arulmigu Brihadeswara temple in Gaingaikondacholapuram (Ariyalur) and Arulmigu Valeeswarar temple in Valikandapuram (Perambalur).
“Ever since schools were ordered to be closed, there was a spike in the footfall of devotees coming in,” an ASI official said. Adhering to a directive of ASI New Delhi, all the four protected monuments in ASI Thanjavur sub-circle were closed around 10am on Wednesday.
“This is the first time that the great Chola temples managed by the ASI have prohibited entry of devotees. The routine rituals will be continued,” the ASI official added.