Lack of clarity on weekend curfew leaves devotees stranded at Dharmasthala

Belthangady, Aug 08, 2021: They have come from distant districts to Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala to have the Darshan and offer prayers to Sri Manjunatha Swamy. But they are confused now. In the absence of a room or a proper facility to stay, they are now sleeping outside the shops and hotels at Dharmasthala.

As per the State government’s directions, the district administration has imposed a weekend curfew in Dakshina Kannada. To control Covid the DC has also imposed restrictions on the three famous temples of the district- Kukke, Dharmasthala, and Kateel.

As per this restriction, no Darshan is allowed and no rooms are provided on Saturday and Sunday. On other days the devotees should produce a Covid negative certificate to stay in the guest houses at these three places. Dharmasthala has followed these rules.

But many devotees from the hinterland of Karnataka continue to come to Dharmasthala as they are unaware of the strict order and restrictions.

The number of devotees coming to Dharmasthal is usually more during weekends and Monday. Many devotees came today evening to stay at Dharmasthala and have darshan of Sri Manjunatha Swamy on Monday. But as the order is being strictly implemented by the temple authorities, they are unable to get a lodging facility.

“Today evening many devotees came to Dharmasthala. As they did not room they are staying outside the shops and hotels. As bus service from other places to Dharmasthala, devotees have come here. The district administration should take some immediate action,” a resident told The Canara Post.

The local residents have brought this to the notice of the district administration.