Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (SP)

Sullia, Apr 22: Temple town Subrahmanya in the taluk is known for abundance of water with its proximity to two rivers and also because it receives high rainfall. The temple here has been facing water scarcity now. As water level in the well of the temple has touched the bottom, the temple administration has stopped issuance of Teertha (holy water) bottles to devotees from Wednesday April 20 onward.

Water from this well is used for offering ritualistic bath to the lord's idol and distributing holy water bottles to the devotees. As per tradition, water from other water sources cannot be used for these purposes. As the well water has dried up, the temple is facing problems now. As such, the well water is being used to give holy bath to the deity and to also dispense Teertha to visiting devotees in spoons along with Prasadam.

On an average, there is a demand for 2,000 bottles of Teertha at Subrahmanya temple. On special occasions, demand soars to even 3,000 to 4,000 bottles. Similar situation had been faced by the temple a couple of years back. Then too issuance of holy water bottles had been stopped. As rains were received in a few days, the bottles distribution had been resumed thereafter.

Last Friday, puja had been offered on Friday to appease the rain god, and rain had appeared the same day. However, this did not replenish water level in the temple well. Temple executive officer, C U Poovappa, has asked the devotees to understand that the management is faced with the need to reduce use of water because of compelling reasons, and requested them to cooperate.