Covid-19: Konark Sun Temple in Odisha resumes after five months

The Konark Sun Temple reopened on Tuesday after it was closed five months before owing to Covid-19.

The Konark Sun Temple in Puri district in Odisha is the only temple of Lord Sun in Hindu culture.

It is a major tourist place in Odisha which was closed five months before amid coronavirus scare.Though several temples in the state have been resumed, the Sun temple remained closed till August 31 owing to the restrictions imposed by Puri district administration.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Superintending Officer Arun Kumar Mallick told media that the visitors are allowed into the temple from September 1 following the State and Central government guidelines.A total of only 2,500 visitors, 1500 in between 6 am to 1 pm and 1000 in the afternoon, are allowed per day in two phases.

Apart from thermal screening at the entry, visitors should follow social distancing, and wear a mask mandatorily.The temple is facilitated with online payment system where the visitors can scan the QR code installed outside the temple and make an online payment.

PS: One of the key attractions of Odisha, Shree Jagannath Temple continues to shut down since March 15.