The famous Gunadala Mary Matha Shrine has been closed up to March 31 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, said temple rector Fr. Eleti William Jayaraju. He urged devotees and the general public to participate in the ‘janata curfew’ on March 22 (Sunday), reported by The Hindu.

Thousands of pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Puducherry and other States congregate at the Mary Matha temple. The decision was taken on Friday to ensure their safety in view of COVID-19, said Vijayawada Catholic Diocese Bishop Telagathoti Joseph Raja Rao.

All rituals including ‘divya balipuja’ and ‘siluva marga dhyanamulu,’ were suspended, and pilgrims are urged to perform prayers at their houses and not to move in public places and attend large gatherings, said Raja Rao.

“Following the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the shrine has been closed. Reopening of the shrine will be announced officially,” said Fr. Jayaraju.

The bishop said measures have been taken to prevent entry of pilgrims on all routes. Devotees can can watch ‘aradhana’ and other pujas on Divyavani TV and other social media sites, said Jayaraju.

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