Ayodhya Temples to Remain Closed on March 3 Due to Lunar Eclipse

Ayodhya, March 1: The first lunar eclipse of 2026 is set to occur on March 3, leading to the closure of temples across the country. The Ayodhya administration and temple management have informed all devotees in advance to prevent any inconvenience.

According to astrological beliefs, the eclipse will begin at 3:19 PM on Tuesday and last until 6:07 PM. It will be clearly visible in India. The ‘sutik’ period, which is considered highly significant from a religious perspective, will commence nine hours before the eclipse.

Due to this sutik period, all major temples will be closed to the general public from approximately 8 AM until 8:30 PM. During this time, no devotees will be allowed to enter the temples. This rule will apply to all major and renowned temples in the district, including the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

District Collector Nikhil Tikaram Phunde stated that it is customary in Ayodhya for all temples to close during a lunar eclipse, and therefore, no darshan (viewing) will take place during this time. He emphasized that all major temples in the district will remain closed on March 3 due to the eclipse. After the eclipse concludes and rituals are completed, the temples will reopen for devotees. Visitors planning to come to Ayodhya on this day should schedule their visits accordingly.

Not only in Ayodhya but across the country, most temples will be closed to the general public during the lunar eclipse, with access granted only after the eclipse ends.

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Ganpat Singh Chouhan: My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.