Baba Mahakal temple remains open amid solar eclipse

Madhya Pradesh's famous Baba Mahakal Temple remained open during the annual solar eclipse attracting devotees since morning. However, security has been tightened by the cops along the banks of river Shipra.

Ujjain: At a time when the country is witnessing the biggest annular solar eclipse of this century, doors of Baba Mahakal Temple remained open for its devotees who lined up in large numbers to offer prayers. However, several temples across the nation have announced that they will remain closed during the eclipse today.

Temple authorities said that devotees are also allowed to visit the temple during the second phase of the rare celestial event. According to the Hindu mythological belief, Baba Mahakal is known as the 'King of Deathbed' and hence has control over the solar eclipse which will avert any bad omen.

Devotees performed Aarti in the temple on Sunday morning at 8 am amid prayer chants but were prohibited to touch the deity following the COVID-19 protocols. The majestic ring of fire solar eclipse was visible partially from parts of Madhya Pradesh including Ujjain and Malwa, with moon hiding almost 74% area of the sun.

Read: Partial solar eclipse will be visible in Bengaluru

Meanwhile, the security has been beefed up by the district administration officials and people were restricted to visit the ghats of Shipra river. Police personnel have been deployed at various places, not allowing people to take a dip in the holy river.

The annual solar eclipse began on Sunday at around 10.46 am, known as the 'Ring of Fire' which was witnessed by sky gazers and space enthusiasts as a rare celestial treat.