Bhubaneswar: If you have been waiting to mark a yearly trip to your favorite historical places in Odisha, then the wait is over. After almost five months of closure due to coronavirus outbreak, the 13th century Sun Temple at Konark has been finally reopened on Tuesday in strict adherence to the Unlock 4 guidelines unveiled by the Centre. Also Read: Goa CM Pramod Sawant Tests Coronavirus Positive; Is Asymptomatic And Under Home Isolation

What is special about Sun Temple?

Also known as Black Pagoda, the Sun Temple is most famous because of its design in the form of the chariot of Surya, the sun god. The entire arena is a spectacle to behold because of its design pattern in which a huge chariot is depicted drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of elaborately decorated wheels.

The temple is constructed in red sandstone (Khandolite) and black granite by King Narasimhadeva I of the Ganga dynasty. Known as the World Heritage Site, the temple offers a grand exposure to India's religious heritage.

What should you know before the visit?

As per the report, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will allow around 2,500 tourists to enter the World Heritage Site in two slots every day.

The morning slot will allow 1,200 people while 1,300 tourists can visit in the afternoon slot. The temple has seen an average of 5,000 tourists prior to lockdown on a daily basis. You will have to undergo thermal screening before making entry and it’s mandatory to wear masks besides maintaining social distancing norms.

 What is not allowed?

It is to be noted that no public gathering and group photography is allowed at the monument. There will be a designated single-line entry and exit points and particular routes marked for movement within the premises.

The top tourist and religious sites in Odisha including Sun Temple in Konark, Puri Srimandir and Shanti Stupa (peace pagoda) at Dhauli shut their doors for visitors since March 15 as a precautionary measure to stem the spread of novel-coronavirus.