PUNE, Feb. 8 -- The Bhimashankar temple will remain closed to devotees during the Mahashivratri period this month, the Pune district administration said on Sunday, reversing its decision to open the shrine complex, currently under renovation, for a week beginning February 12 for Mahashivratri .

Pune 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 Mahas...