India, Feb. 9 -- The Bhimashankar temple will remain closed for devotees even during the Mahashivratri period this month, the district administration announced on Sunday, reversing its earlier decision to keep the shrine open from February 12 to February 18 despite ongoing renovation work.

District collector Jitendra Dudi said the decision was taken after a fresh review of the pace, scale and safety implications of the construction work underway at the temple complex, which is being upgraded as part of preparations for the Simhastha Nashik Kumbh Mela in 2027.

"The nature of the construction, the presence of large stone blocks, heavy machinery and building material in the temple premises, and the volume of devotees expected during Mahash...