Folks in Karnataka might soon be able to pray in major temples of the state, without even stepping into one. Devotees can soon opt for live telecast of puja proceedings at chosen temples. They can even have the prasad home delivered in Karnataka. Certain major temples in the state will go online from Wednesday, May 27. In the first phase, 50 major temples in Karnataka will be permitted to provide these services.
Temples In Karnataka To Go Online Due To Loss In Revenue
The Muzrai Department authorities in Karnataka is planning to start live puja services and e-darshan for devotees from 27th May. The authorities are envisaging to take the puja online at some of the most prominent temples across the state. This is done as it has lost more than ₹100 crores in revenue due to the lockdown.
The peak season for temples in Karnataka is normally during the months of March and May. Unfortunately, this year, the two most visited temples in the state, Kukke Subramanya and Kollur Mookambika are shut down due to the restrictions. This remains the same for other temples in the state.
This drop in revenue is a huge loss for the state government. According to data from the Muzrai Department, temples in ‘A’ Category ( having revenue of more than ₹25 lakhs) collected around ₹113 crores between March and May of 2019. Now that temple bells have fallen silent, the department has planned to make arrangements for temples to go online. Major temples of the state will conduct online pujas and deliver prasad through post.
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Pre-Booked Online Pujas & Home Delivery Of Prasad To Take Place
The facility is going to be available from May 27. Muzrai Minister, Kota Srinivas Pujari, states to The Hindu that they are planning to introduce online pujas which can be booked by people. Devotees can choose from 15 different types of pujas including mangalaarthi, archane pushpaalankaara puja, and ashtothhara. As per the orders from the government, live telecast of pujas through temple websites and Facebook might also commence in around 15 districts. The prasad will be delivered to the homes of devotees by postal service. Did you know Tirupati Laddus To Be Made Available To Devotees In Bangalore, Chennai & Hyderabad
Temples Offering Online Pujas In Karnataka
Reportedly the temples which will offer online pujas and direct telecast include- Banashankari temple in Bengaluru, Saundatti Yellamma temple, Mysuru Chamundeshwari, Nanjangud Srikanteshwara, Kateel Durga Parameshwari, and Kukke Subrahmanya.
These temples are requested to set up webcams to help devotees participate in the pujas on a daily basis. Kota Srinivas Poojary states to The Print “There are a few temples that do not allow video shooting of the puja within the sanctum. We will respect that, but at other places we will provide the infrastructure that will help devotees connect with God.”
Karnataka Temples To Venture Online From May 27
According to Minister, the government has decided to release ₹33.66 crores. This will be given as salaries to priests of 29,700 temples for three months. Even though the priests had appealed to the government to open the temples, the current situation doesn’t permit the government to do so. However, with facilities like e-darshan, home delivery of prasad, devotees can pray at major temples from the comfort of their homes from May 27.