Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner KV Rajendra has allowed devotees to have darshan on all days at the Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Temple and Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala. But there are certain conditions. Only people who are fully vaccinated will be allowed to offer sevas at the temples. They must also possess a negative RT-PCR negative, not older than 72 hours.
Seva coupons will be issued in limited numbers based on the space availability. This will ensure that people do not gather in large numbers, Rajendra said in the order.
All archaks, administrative staff and other employees at the temples will have to undergo RT-PCR tests every 15 days. Notice boards will be put up at temples to raise awareness on vaccination. Temple officials have also been urged to arrange vaccination camps for devotees.
With this, the weekend restrictions at the two famous temples have been lifted.
Devotees can have darshan from 7am to 11.30am, 12.15pm to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 7pm on all days, said Kukke temple executive officer Ningaiah. “The temple was not open for devotees during weekends in the wake of the pandemic. Based on a government directive, the Dakshina Kannada district administration has taken the decision to allow devotees on Saturdays and Sundays, too,” the officer told STOI.
He added: “The number of devotees visiting the temple was low on Saturday as the decision was taken late on Friday and many people didn’t know about it.” The guest houses of the Kukke temple will now remain open during the weekend.
