Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has issued a Standard Operating Procedure for reopening the centuries old Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar from September 1st. the temple was closed for public visit in view of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the SOP issued by the BMC, all the temples of Bhubaneswar within the jurisdiction of BMC will reopen with strict observance of COVID-19 safety protocols. However no devotee shall be allowed inside the Garva Griha of the temple area and will be allowed Darshan from a safe distance only. There shall be no offerings like Bhoga etc., in the temple.
At Lord Lingaraja temple, at any point of time, a maximum of 100 devotees will be allowed from Singhadwara to Ada-Katha. Sahana Darshana/Garvagruha darshan will be completely prohibited. Similarly, no offerings to the Lord shall be accepted by the Sebayats and only Darshan will be allowed. BMC will do the necessary barricading outside the temple and handover to Police for control and restriction on the movement of the public.
In no case social distancing norms should be allowed to be violated. Authorities shall ensure RT-PCR testing of their priests/sebayats and only RT-PCR negative and Final COVID vaccination certificate holders will be allowed to perform rituals. The Priests/Sebayats shall have to put on Mask at all times as per COVID protocol. All devotees will have to wear mask and maintain social distancing of six feet from each other appropriately at all times. Spitting inside and outside the premises and chewing of Pan/Ghutka is strictly prohibited. Old age persons, pregnant women and children below 18 years of age are advised not to visit religious institutions.