A Celestial Pause: Temples in Uttar Pradesh Close for Lunar Eclipse Rituals

Temples in Uttar Pradesh, including Ayodhya's Ram temple and Kashi Vishwanath, closed for the lunar eclipse and Sutak Kaal on Tuesday. After purification rituals, they reopened. Despite closures, devotees performed religious activities like parikrama and celebrated Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's appearance day with ceremonies and cultural events.

Prominent temples across Uttar Pradesh, such as Ayodhya's Ram temple and the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, closed their doors on Tuesday due to the lunar eclipse and the associated 'Sutak Kaal'. Authorities resumed darshan in the evening after performing purification rituals that included cleansing and re-clothing the deities.

In Mathura and Vrindavan, devotees gathered eagerly as temples reopened. Many participated in parikrama, circumambulating Govardhan Hill while chanting and singing devotional songs. Celebrations also marked the 540th appearance day of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu at several temples, with Mahaabhishek ceremonies and cultural events like plays and bhajan evenings.

In Ayodhya, devotees took dips in the Saryu River after the eclipse before flocking to the temples, which reopened following the ceremonial cleansing. An advisory had informed visitors of the schedule changes. Despite the closures, these religious ceremonies highlighted the enduring devotion and cultural richness of the region's spiritual heritage.

(With inputs from agencies.)