Mounesh Vishwakarma

Bantwal, Jun 8: As the government has relaxed lockdown restrictions and given permission to reopen temples, devotees took part in poojas in most of the temples in Bantwal taluk on Monday. Though temples were well prepared to follow government guidelines in anticipation of devotees, the number of devotees was less than expected.

Devotees were allowed in Polali Rajarajeshwari temple, Nandavara temple, Mahalingeshwara temple, Narahari hills temple, Vitla Panchalingeshwara temple, Karinja temple and most of the other temples.

The body temperatures were checked and sanitizers were provided to the devotees that arrived at the temples. However, theertha, prasadam and other services were not allowed. Boxes were marked to maintain social distance.

Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik Ulipadiguthu visited Polali temple and took part in the 7 am pooja. Nearly 250 devotees visited Polali temple till noon. However, their number was less than expected. More devotees are likely to arrive after June 9. The number of devotees was less in all the temples, said executive officer Pravin.