Major Hindu temples across India will be closed on the intervening night of March 8 and 9 to ward off the negative energy said to be generated by the total solar eclipse, which, priests say, weaken the natural “positive aura” of idols in shrines.

The Venkateswara temple in Tirumala would also remain closed on account of the solar eclipse (Surya Grahanam). The temple would be closed from 8.30 PM on March 8 and would open only at 10 AM on March 9. And there will not be any darshan avaialble for devotees during this time. TTD Executive Officer (EO) D. Sambashiva Rao confirmed the news. Sambashiva Rao also said that Annual Teppotsam would be held from March 19 to 23. He said the TTD would provide online booking facility.

In most temples across south India which will remain shut druing the eclipse, the idols and sanctums will be covered by organic material like “grass, leaves of the neem or vila trees or raw silk shroud to prevent the natural aura from being destroyed.