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.thehindu.com |
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US Prez. Trump called it ''China'' or ''Wuhan'' virus..mapsofindia.com |
Places of religious gathering, as we know, such as temples, mosques and churches can be clusters for corona virus transmission in India. In this country religious tourism is a big business, in particular, in the summer holiday season. So are community gatherings for celebrating numerous festivals in the ensuing summer season and later months. Social gatherings such as wedding celebrations, etc., are common across this vast country and these crowded gatherings will speed up this new virus that the American President has aptly dubbed as China Virus or Wuhan Virus.
Listed below are some of the places of Hindu worship in India where there are either several entry restrictions in place or simply closed for the devotees.
01. Siddhivinayak temple, Mumbai, Maharashtra:
In the state of Maharashtra, which has registered the highest number of corona virus positive cases in India, authorities have taken serious precaution and closed some prominent tourist and religious spots.
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Siddhi vinayak temple,Mumbai financialexpress.com/ |
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Siddhi vinayak temple,Mumbai.hindustantimes.com/ |
02. Ajantha and Ellora cave temples, Maharastra:
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Ajantha, Ellora caves temples.visittnt.com/blog |
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Ajantha, Ellora caves temples..inditour.com |
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellora_Caves)
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Ajantha-Ellora caves, MH. en. Wikipedia.org. |
In serious consideration of growing cases of corona virus in India, the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai where people in thousands visit daily extra precautions to reduce the spread of virus are underway. Chairman of the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Trust Aadesh Bandekar, said that all devotees are being given hand sanitizer while entering the temple premises, ANI reported. Moreover, all the hand railings in the temple and the floors are being sanitized and cleaned frequently to reduce the spread of the virus, the report further quoted Bandekar as saying. (March 14, 2020).
https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/mumbai-s-siddhivinayak-temple-may-give-govt-s-gold-scheme-40kg-boost/story-V649fDZnO300OEz7tCpnGO.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siddhivinayak_Temple,_Mumbai
https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/coronavirus-outbreak-mumbais-siddhivinayak-temple-takes-preventive-measures-check-details/1897865/
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/coronavirus-siddhivinayak-temple-ajanta-ellora-caves-to-be-closed/article31086856.ece
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03. Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha:
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Puri Sri Jagannath Temple, Odisha. en wikepedia.org |
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Puri Sri Jagannath Temple, Odisha.religionworld.in |
In the case of Odisha state, Chhattisa Nijog, the premier servitors Priests)’ body of the popular Sri Jagannath Temple, recently imposed restrictions on servitor activities and visiting devotees in view of the corona virus threat. Devotees will not be allowed to touch Garuda and Aruna pillars of the shrine. Further, they will not be allowed to crowd the spots that may promote transmission of the virus. This apart, to gain entry into the temple, visiting devotees have to make a mandatory self-declaration about their health condition - cold and cough problems or their visits to places affected by the virus in the last 15 days. Strict prohibition of congregation of devotees at Jagamohan and Laxmi temple. Darshan from ‘Bhitar Kath’ stopped till April 15.
The DA imposed restrictions on group dining at Anand Bazar, the Mahaprasad market in the temple complex. Movement of devotees and servitors/pundits will also be regulated to ensure free spaces and prevent crowding.
The priests/pundits or pujapandas (servitors who offer ‘bhog’ and perform rituals of the trinity) on ‘Ratnasimhasan’ in the sanctum/garbagriha of Jagannath temple are advised to wear face masks while performing the services.
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The Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha. .tripadvisor.in |
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2020/mar/16/coronavirus-impact-no-touching-garuda-stambha-in-puris-jagannath-temple-2117273.html
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04. ISKCON temples, India:
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Iscon temple, India amarujala.com |
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05. Palkulangara, Devi temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala state:
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Palkulangara Sree Bhagavathy Temple, kerala. .tripadvisor.in |
Palkulangara, Devi temple, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala state) is just 1 km from Pettah Junction and is about 1.5 kilometres to the west of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in that city. Run by the Sree Palkulangara Devi Temple Trust, it is a good example of Kerala Vasthu Vidya and one of the most ancient temples in Kerala that is famous for several Hindu temple festivals.
Palkulangara Sree Bhagavathy Temple and others will follow the govt. health restrictions in view of prevailing serious threats from covid-19. Part of the reason is lots of foreign tourists visit this Gods' own country that is bestowed with amazing nature's bounty. Provisions regarding sanitizing facilities are made available for the devotees reaching the temple. Owing to Covid-19 scare, not only have the temple festivals in the State assumed a sort of drab note, but also lost the glamor and gaiety associated with them. Extra health precautions over the virus took precedence over enthusiasm and deep devotion.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/temple-festivals-shorn-of-glamour/article31102095.ece
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06. Sabarimala temple, Kerala:
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Famous Sabarimala temple, Kerala.business-standard.com |
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Famous Sabarimala temple, Kerala. .business-standard.com |
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/sabarimala-temple-to-open-this-evening-119111600335_1.html
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07. Maa Kamakhya temple, Assam:
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Maa Kamakhya temple. .indiatoday.in/ |
https://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/health/novel-2019-ncov-prevention-of-coronavirus-and-safety-measures-for-the-public