Dalai Lama Temple in Dharamshala closed for public due to coronavirus

The main Tibetan temple here has been closed for public in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the office of the Dalai Lama said on Tuesday.

Tsuglhakhang temple, which is situated in Dharamshala's Mecleodganj area, is popular among tourists and Buddhists across the world.

"In view of the coronavirus 'COVID-19' outbreak as well as a precautionary measures by various Indian government including the imposition of section 144 by Kangra district administration, the main Tibetan temple (Tsuglhakhang) will be closed from tomorrow (Wednesday) until April 15 subject to further notice," the office of the Dalai Lama said in a statement.

The other major Tibetan temple in Karmapa Lama Monastery near Sidhwari in Dharamshala was already closed.

Tenzin Jigme and Tenzin Paljor, Press Officers, Department of Information and International Relation, told PTI, "Few monasteries are closed till date. Regarding the closing of Tibetan Monasteries all over India, it depends on the administration of Monastery and we have no rights to interfere in their decision making".

Jigme said that in response to the gravity of the coronavirus pandemic, the Central Tibetan Administration issued new guidelines, calling on Tibetan monasteries, schools and elder care homes in India, Nepal and Bhutan to cancel public gatherings for one month.

The guidelines also call on all boarding and day schools to be closed for a minimum of one month; Elderly care homes to restrict all outside visitors except for the staff and nurses; All the staff members of the Central Tibetan Administration, both at the centre as well as at the regional level, to postpone all official visits and to refrain from holding any meetings, training programs and workshops for one month among others.

The guidelines are to be implemented for a minimum of one month while at the same time following the guidelines issued by the respective state governments.

India has reported 126 positive cases include 22 foreign nationals. So far, three people have lost their lives after getting infected with the virus.