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Big Temple, Tharasuram shrine closed, daily poojas to be performed as usual
Day after tourists spots were shut across Delta districts, the Big Temple and Tharasuram Airavadeeswarar temple, probably the first among the places of worship in the region, closed its doors for devotees on Wednesday as part of safety measures to check the entry or spread of COVID19.
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Thiruchirapalli
This is the first time in recent past the shrines are being shut completely. However, the daily poojas will be held as usual, temple sources said.
Despite the virus threat, the Big Temple has been witnessing at least 1000 visitors, including tourists from across the world, every day after the consecration on February 5 and the count was gradually increasing in recent times.
In the wake of the surging number of devotees, the temple authorities till Tuesday in coordination with the district administration officials were organising screening camps to check the devotees before their entry.
In such a backdrop, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) ordered to close the shrines and other sports that are under its control till March 31 and the Big Temple was part of the list.
A communication in this regard was sent to the Big Temple administration. In line with the instruction, the temple authorities closed the main gate at around 11 am on Wednesday.
While the regular rituals were held as per the schedule from 5 am, devotees were not allowed to take part or have darshan of the deity. The HR&CE department officials also put up a notice board announcing the closure of the temple at the Maratta Gopuram entrance.
Meanwhile, the Airavatheeswarar temple located at Tharasuram near Kumbakonam, also maintained by the ASI, was also closed for the public. Two other temples one at Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur district and another at Valikandapuram in Perambalur district were shut.
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