Kathmandu, February 11. The Pashupatinath Temple that was closed for devotees since January 19 this year due to growing risk of third wave of COVID-19 has been reopened from today morning. Now the revered Hindu holy shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is open and devotees upto 50 will be allowed inside the Temple at a time and perform Puja and offer prayers.

As per the latest order issued by the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, temples, stupa, mosques, churches among others religious places could be reopened for public since February 6. The concerned administration or authority must ensure that the devotees comply with the health safety protocols against COVID-19.

According to Pashupati Area Development Trust, the Pashupatinath Temple has been reopened as the temple authorities were preparing for the Mahashivaratri. This year Mahashivaratri falls on March 1. Trust’s member-secretary Dr Milan Kumar Thapa shared that Pashupatinath Temple as well as Guheshwori and Chandrabinayak among others shrines in the premises were closed during the outbreak of third wave of COVID-19. All other services at the Temple such as special Puja, hymn singing and other rituals were also closed.

However, the regular worship and Arati were being held by the priests in the Temple adhering to the health safety measures, Thapa shared. Special Puja in the Temple will resume from coming Saturday, according to the Trust. The devotees have been thronging the Pashupatinath Temple from today morning.(RSS)