5-DAY BAN ON DARSHAN AT ANTARVEDI TEMPLE

Darshans at the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Antarvedi of Konaseema area in East Godavari District have been stopped for five days. Revenue and police officials cancelled darshans from September 14 to 20 citing severity of Covid-19 cases in the village, including 60 police personnel and some agitators.

On Monday, endowment officials of the temple made all arrangements and opened the temple doors to allow the devotees for darshans.

“The sub-collector office instructed us not to allow darshans up to September 25,’’ said temple executive officer Y. Bhadraji. He said reopening of darshan will be decided by higher officials. However, he said that the daily rituals for deities would continue.

Meanwhile, the internal and external security system in the temple is being strengthened in the aftermath of the chariot burning incident at the temple. Police officials found that CC cameras were not functioning when the chariot was getting burnt. Now, new CC cameras are being installed.

“Already 29 cameras have been installed and another five will be installed soon. Seven cameras have been installed around where the chariot is placed,” said Bhadraji.

He also said that efforts for building a new chariot are being expedited and the necessary wood has been purchased. The cut wood may be carried to the temple on September 27. The Annadana Prasadam programme for devotees has been in vogue for several years. Now, the prasadam is being given to police personnel, who are on duty.