KATHMANDU, April 23: The Pashupatinath Temple has been closed for devotees until further notice starting Friday following a sharp rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the Kathmandu Valley.

The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) took the decision to close the main temple and other pilgrimage spots within the Pashupatinath Area in the bid to contain the further spread of COVID-19 on Thursday.

The PADT has also deployed security forces in the area to implement the decision.

The temple had remained closed for devotees for nine months due to lockdown enforced to contain the pandemic last year as well.

Meanwhile, the PADT has also urged those participating in cremation ceremony in the area to avoid gathering of more than 25 people and follow COVID-19 protocols as per the health safety guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Population.

 
• Pashupatinath_Temple
 
• COVID-19
 
• closed