Prayagraj, May 7 (IANS): After the Kashi Vidvat Parishad, it is now the Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP), the apex body of saints and seers, has appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to allow reopening of temples in the state.

ABAP head Mahant Narendra Giri has urged Yogi to reopen all big and small temples in the state and ensure social distancing by devotees.

The ABAP chief said that he and some other saints would soon send letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in this regard.

Mahant Narendra Giri said that it has been almost two months since the temples have been closed due to the corona crisis.

"Apart from the devotees, the priests and other temple workers are facing hardships in meeting the expenses. If the state government can reopen liquor shops to get revenue, permission should also be given for reopening temples," he said.

He assured that if temples are allowed to open, the saints would ensure that all safety protocols, including sanitization and social distancing, are followed.

"If temples are opened, devotees will come and pray for the end of the pandemic. In Hindu religion, we believe in the power of collective prayers," he said.