Coronavirus outbreak: Tirumala temple to be closed for pilgrim worship

Sri Venkateswara temple of Tirumala at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh will be closed for visitors due to coronavirus outbreak.
 

Sri Venkateswara temple atop Tirumala at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh will be closed for visitors due to the dangerous coronavirus outbreak, which has so far affected around 166 people in India and killed four.

Sri Venkateswara temple of Andhra Pradesh, which has been managed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, has closed down the gates of Swamy Pushkarini, where many devotees take a holy bath.

TTD additional executive officer AV Dharma Reddy informed that as part of the anti-coronavirus campaign, TTD has decided to lock down the Swami Pushkarini Ghat on Thursday until further directions. Considering the risks involved with the spread of coronavirus, Swamy Pushkarini Ghat has been blocked for devotees.

Considering the state and Central government’s instructions, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam had an emergency meeting and chose to impose restrictions in the temple. The two ghat roads leading to seven hills have been closed now.

As a precautionary measure, TTD has asked foreigners, NRIs and others not to visit the temple for 28 days after they land in the country from other parts of the world. Also, the temple board has asked devotees, who are having coronavirus symptoms, to avoid visiting the temple.