After nine months’ closure, the Maa Sarala Temple at Jhankad in Tirtol block was reopened amid Covid-19 guidelines on Sunday.
As Standard Operation Procedure [SOP] has been framed by the Jagatsinghpur civil administration for entering the temple, elaborate arrangements were made to manage the devotees following the SOP.
Formal scrutiny of visitors was held at the temple entrance. Their identities were thoroughly checked. Devotees were disallowed offering Puja and Bhoga to the deities inside the temple. Even offering of vermilion and sandal paste was prohibited.
According to Maa Sarala temple administrator and Tirtol Tehsildar, following Jagatsinghpur Collector’s instruction, the temple opens at 8 am till 12 noon and 500 devotees would be permitted for Darshan.