Gujarat temples set to reopen for devotees

AHMEDABAD: After being shut to devotees for more than two-and-a- half months due to the coronavirus pandemic, temples across the state like the Dwarkadhish temple, Somnath temple, Ambaji temple, Jagannath temple and many others are ready to open to a 'new normal' from June 8.
For devotees, there is a long list of do's and don'ts which includes no 'abhishek' at Somnath temple and not more than 20 devotees allowed inside the temples and that too standing at safe distance marked by circles.For a glimpse of the Lord, wearing mask is mandatory.
"We have made necessary markings in the temple premises to ensure compliance of physical distancing," said Vijaysinh Chavda, general manager of Somnath temple trust.
"Other measures including thermal guns to check body temperature, sanitizers and ensuring that all devotees wear face masks are being taken. Only 20 persons will be allowed in the main temple at a time while the number of people during puja has been restricted to five," he said.
Located on the coastal town of Veraval in Saurashtra, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shrines of Lord Shiva in India. The temple sees an average of 10,000 visitors on a normal day while on holidays it can go up to 25,000. Devotees will not be given permission for 'Abhishek Ganga Jal', a ritual of offering water and milk to the Lord, said Chavda. Prasad will be sold at a counter in packages.
At Ambaji temple which houses the famous shrine of goddess Amba, a special desk has been created for devotees. The temple which was shut for public from March 19 is set to re-open with tight police security and a single entry and exit point. A special mock drill was conducted recently to ensure that the mandatory health advisories issued by the ministry of home affairs are in place before throwing the temple open to general public.
"Not more than 20 devotees are allowed at a time at the main temple. The public will not be allowed to participate in the aarti. We are still undecided about offering prasad and food at the temple premises to the devotees," said Sandeep Sagale, district collector, Banaskantha.
Temples await state nod to reopen
Officials of some temple trusts including Chamunda Mataji Temple at Chotila and Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad said they are planning to reopen the shrines from June 8. However, they are waiting for guidelines from the state government before taking a final decision.
Narander Kumar Meena, district collector of Devbhoomi Dwarka and chairman of Dwarkadhish Temple Trust said masks are mandatory and a fine of Rs 200 will be imposed on visitors who remove the masks while on the temple premises. A drill has recently carried out before opening the temple on June 8. The visitors will have to constantly move and nobody will be allowed to sit in the premises. Only 15-20 visitors will be allowed at the main Dwarkadhish temple at a time.
While authorities at Dakor temple are planning to decide on re-opening the temple in a day or two, officials at the BAPS Swaminarayan said they will review the situation on June 15 before deciding on opening temples all across the country, including Gujarat.
Nitin Patel, deputy chief Minister said we will only decide after government of India issues new SOP for opening up temples after June 8.