No plans to start seva at state temples soon, says muzrai dept commissioner

Mangaluru: Temples across Karnataka are unlikely to resume seva due to the spike in Covid-19 cases despite the rising demand from the devotees.
In the interest of the safety of devotees, there is no plan to resume sevas in temples any time soon, said Rohini Sindhuri, commissioner, Hindu religious institutions and charitable endowment department.
Muzrai minister Shrinivas Poojari had recently hinted about resuming sevas across temples in the state during a meeting held at Kukke Subrahmanya Temple. He had mentioned that the decision will be taken only after consultation with the health department and other officials.
“The minister had consulted us about resuming services, but the department had said that it is not possible for the time being. There is a close physical contact when any seva is performed at a temple. Currently, the Covid-19 case-loads are increasing across the state and allowing sevas will further increase the risk,” she told TOI.
Low footfall
Ravindra MH, Kukke temple executive officer said the footfall at the temple hasn’t gone up since the temple was reopened. “Since the reopening the temple receives only 3,000 to 4,000 devotees every day as against 10,000 devotees earlier.”