Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, Mar 20: The fear of coronavirus has affected Krishna math in the district too. The math that was overflowing with hundreds of devotees everyday has turned empty. The parking area also has no people in it. It appeared as undeclared bandh in the vicinity.

Religious programmes such as Anna santarpane, Pravachana and Rathotsava are temporarily suspended. It is decided that everyone should join hands for Janata curfew on Sunday March 22 requested by Prime Minister Modi. The deputy commissioner directed not to hold any programmes.

Ishapriya Theertha has spoken to the news media that the devotees are asked to pray at home to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

There were few people at Car Street. Shops and establishments were voluntarily closed. The entry of devotees in Krishna math was banned until afternoon. But those who arrived from distant places were allowed peeped through Kanakana Kindi and receive the blessings. They were later allowed in.

Annasantarpane in the presence of the deity on Friday was cancelled. Prayers in the mosques in Udupi on Friday were restricted to fifteen minutes. But the mosque heads created awareness in the mosque about the virus. Cleanliness was maintained while washing hands and legs. Sanitizers were used before entering the mosques. Special prayers were held to eradicate the virus.

Prathistapane, Brahma Kalashotsava and Nagamandala poojas scheduled in the temples in the district are postponed indefinitely. There is a break for religious programmes due to section 144 in force. Historic Mari Puja is also affected by corona. The pujas were never postponed for any reason in history. Some devotees have opined that ban on pujas will not be good for the world.