KATHMANDU, NEPAL, July 20, 2020 (Khabarhub): When Neeru Sharma, 40, of Gokarna, used to visit Pashupatinath Temple every Monday morning in the Nepali month of Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August) during previous years, she felt blessed. This time, thousands of devotees like Neeru feel deprived of the bliss they used to get after visiting the Pashupatinath Temple as it has remained shut for the visitors since the enforcement of lockdown meant to curb the coronavirus pandemic. After the imposition of the lockdown, all four doors of Pashupatinath Temple remain closed. The Pashupati Area Development Fund (PADF) sources inform that only regular prayers are performed these days.
This month has five Mondays as per the lunar calendar though there are four Mondays as per the solar calendar this time. The Monday of July 20 is the third Monday of this month. In ancient Sanatan culture, all religious and cultural activities are carried out according to the lunar calendar. The month of Shrawan ends on August 3 this year. This time the first day of Shrawan had been a Monday of the first day after no moon day known as Krishnapakshya Pratipada and the last day according to the lunar calendar lies on Monday of the Full Moon day also known as Shuklapakshya Purnima. Devotees regard such coincidence as of special religious significance. “The government has not formally opened lockdown in the crowded areas,” Dr. Pradeep Dhakal, the Member Secretary of PADT told Khabarhub, adding, “Provided the government directs us to open, we will abide by it.”