India, May 31 -- The historic Bhimashankar Temple in Pune district will reopen for devotees from June 10, even as work on a new congregation hall and approach pathways remains in its final stages, acting district collector Gajanan Patil announced on Saturday.

The decision has been taken in view of preparations for the 2027 Nashik Kumbh Mela and the expected rise in pilgrim footfall.

Patil said the ongoing development works are being carried out based on estimates of the number of devotees likely to visit the shrine during the Kumbh period.

According to the district administration, construction of the main congregation hall in front of the temple is expected to be completed by the end of June. However, considering the sentiments of devo...