Kashi Vishwanath Temple Announces Closure for Lunar Eclipse on Tuesday
In a significant announcement affecting thousands of devotees, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi will temporarily close its sanctum sanctorum to the public on Tuesday due to the upcoming lunar eclipse. According to temple authorities, the closure is scheduled from 4:30 PM to 7:15 PM, adhering strictly to long-standing religious traditions and astrological calculations.
Temple CEO Details Eclipse Timings and Rituals
Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, the CEO of the temple, provided detailed insights into the decision. He explained that based on precise calculations by the temple's panel of scholars, the moonrise in Kashi is expected at 5:59 PM, with the lunar eclipse predicted to conclude at 6:47 PM. In line with temple customs, the doors will be shut 1.5 hours before the eclipse begins, hence the 4:30 PM closure time.
Following the eclipse, a series of sacred rituals will be conducted within the temple premises. The Ugraha (Moksha) pujan will be performed meticulously according to scriptural procedures. This worship ceremony is an integral part of the purification process post-eclipse. Only after the completion of all necessary rituals, including worship and purification, will the temple doors be reopened for devotees, which is anticipated after 7:15 PM.
Devotees Advised to Adjust Their Plans Accordingly
The temple administration has issued a clear advisory to all devotees, urging them to plan their visits around this temporary closure. This measure ensures that the religious sanctity of the eclipse period is maintained without disruption. Devotees are encouraged to:
- Check the specific timings of the closure (4:30 PM to 7:15 PM) before planning their visit.
- Reschedule their darshan (viewing) to either before 4:30 PM or after 7:15 PM on Tuesday.
- Respect the traditional practices that govern the temple's operations during such celestial events.
This closure highlights the deep-rooted cultural and religious significance attached to astronomical events in Hindu traditions, particularly in revered sites like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The administration's proactive communication aims to minimize inconvenience while upholding age-old customs.
