Temples to remain closed during lunar eclipse

Vijayawada, Aug 16 (UNI) The famous Sri Durga Malleswaraswamy temple atop Indrakeeladri Hills here will be closed from today evening, owing to lunar eclipse, which will take place between 0106 hrs and 0415 hrs on August 17.

'Devasthanam' officials told UNI that the temple would be closed from 1700 hrs today and reopened at 0800 hrs tomorrow after purification rituals.

The Brahmarambika Mallikarjuna Devasthanam temple at Srisailam, Sitaramachandra Swamy temple at Bhadrachalam and Satyanarayana Swamy temple at Annavaram would also be closed from this evening and devoteees would be allowed 'darshan' tomorrow morning after the consecration of the idols.

Meanwhile, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials said the Lord Venkateswaraswamy temple at Tirumala would be closed from 1900 hrs today and reopened for 'darshan' at 0500 hrs tomorrow after special rituals.

UNI CS SJ 1029