Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is reopening its door for its devotees after the temple has been shut for months due to a pandemic. However now, the Maharashtra government has decided to open the Sai Baba Temple along with several other religious places during Navratri. However, only 15000 devotees will be allowed in the shrine from October 7. Devotees will also need online passes for inside darshan. Besides, the temple has banned the entry of kids below 10 years, pregnant women, senior citizens above 65 years old. COVID-19 protocols like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.
Maharashtra Temples Are Reopening On The Occasion Of Navratri
Temples in various parts of India have already reopened following the COVID-19 measures. The Maharashtra government, announced the reopening of religious places in the state with strict safety protocols. Adhering to the guidelines, various temples in Maharashtra like the Shirdi Sai Baba temple, Siddhivinayak temple, Lord Vitthal’s temple in Satara and Goddess Tulja Bhavani’s temple in Osmanabad will welcome devotees. Read on to know the guidelines.
Staggered Entry, COVID Negative Result Mandatory At Shirdi Sai Baba Temple In Maharashtra
Popular temples in Maharashtra like the Shirdi Sai Baba temple, Siddhivinayak temple, Goddess Tulja Bhavani’s temple and Lord Vitthal’s temple have reopened gates to devotees following the SOPs laid down by the state. According to the guidelines, wearing of face masks is mandatory for all visitors. The temple authorities must conduct thermal scanning and provide hand sanitizers. Also, large gatherings cannot take place. The SOPs have prohibited sprinkling of holy water and physical prasad distribution. And most importantly, devotees have to maintain social distancing.
Maharashtra: Devotees offer prayers at Shirdi Sai Baba temple; all religious places in the State have been allowed to reopen from today after remaining shut for months.#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/gdJuk3ugKc
— ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2020
Visitors won’t have permission to touch idols and holy books.
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Siddhivinayak Temple Allowing Limited Devotees Through QR Codes
According to a report by the Mint, Aadesh Bandekar, chairman of the Siddhivinayak temple has stated, “Devotees will have to download ‘Shri Siddhivinayak temple’ application on their mobile phones to book a slot for darshan. They will need to fill in their details and book an appointment, following which a QR code will be generated with a time slot. QR codes for 1,000 people will be generated during the day.”
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Maharashtra is the Indian state worst hit by the deadly infection. Out of the 88,45,127 confirmed COVID-19 cases in India, Maharashtra has reported 17,47,242. The death toll has been 45,974. So, to step out, one needs to strictly follow all the measures of safety and social distancing. Meanwhile, here’s a glimpse into the marvellous Siddhivinayak temple from the comfort of your home: