Barricades have come up on all the lanes leading to the city’s iconic Pahari Mandir, Lord Shiva’s abode in the State Capital. As auspicious Shravan month began today and the first Somvari (Monday) coinciding with the beginning of Shravan month devotees had to return from outside the temple as the main entrance of the temple was closed.

During auspicious Shravan month devotees throng to temples to offer water to Lord Shiva. On Mondays of the holy month such is the frenzy that devotees line up outside the temple from midnight for offering puja. But this year with the ban on religious congregations in view of the outbreak of Covid 19 pandemic, Shravan celebrations at Pahari Mandir will be a muted affair this time.

Pahari Mandir PRO Mukesh Agarwal said, “This year due to Covid 19 pandemic the temple will be closed for devotees due to district administration guidelines. Only temple priests will offer puja at Shravan month.”

Ranchi SDO Lokesh Mishra who happens to be the secretary of the Ranchi Pahari Mandir Vikas Samati said, “Due to Covid 19 pandemic the temple is closed, however, the faithful would be able to have darshan and see the puja by logging in to the temple’s Facebook page or by visiting the temple’s website.”

The temple built on hill top was earlier known as Phansi Tongri and it was the place where freedom fighters were hanged to death. The 2140 feet Ranchi hill houses the temple at its summit. One needs to climb a flight of 468 steps to reach the summit. At the bottom of the hill is Ranchi Lake. Ranchi lake was excavated by Colonel Onsely in 1842.

As the temple was closed many devotees who returned home without performing puja were disappointed. Alka Sahay, a resident of Ratu Road area who had gone to Pahari Mandir for worshipping said, “In the morning when we reached the temple for puja we saw a big lock on the entrance gate. The local florists informed us that district administration had closed the temple due to Covid 19 restrictions.” Sahay, who had no other option but performed the puja outside the temple entrance gate.

The closure of Pahari Mandir has hit the business of local florists and those selling puja items. Mantu Chandravanshi who sells flowers and other puja items said, “Due to closure of temple our business is badly affected. As temple is closed for nearly three months our business too is affected.” Not only Pahari Mandir, other temples in the State Capital too were closed. On Monday morning  a team of police officials closed Shiva Temple at Naga Baba Khatal as a large number of devotees gathered at the temple to offer puja.