Puri: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has imposed restrictions on visitors climbing the Nata Mandap at the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha’s Puri district as a safety measure.

According to the ASI, the decision to prevent tourists from entering the area has been taken in view of safety concerns and the need to protect the structure at the UNESCO world heritage site ADVERTISEMENT

As per the directive, visitors will no longer be allowed to move on to the Nata Mandap or touch the sculpted stone artworks. Security personnel have been deployed to ensure compliance at the site.

Visitors often attempt to climb the Mandap to view the spot where the first rays of the sun fall on the idol of Lord Surya (Sun) inside the temple. Many also take selfies atop the structure, leading to multiple i

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