Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (EP)

Beltangady, May 17: With the district reeling under water scarcity, devotees and tourists planning to visit the historical Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala have been requested to postpone their plans.

As water has become scarce at Dharmastala Manjunatha temple, Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade has requested devotees to put off their visits to the temple for some time.

"All over India, water is becoming scare day by day in the scorching heat of summer. Even in our Dakshina Kannada district, people are struggling for water. Due to rationing, people are getting water only two or three times a week. The flow of water in the nearby Netravati river has severely decreased, and this has impacted Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala too.

"Therefore, it is not possible to provide water for the needs of devotees visiting the temple. Please postpone your visits for some time," he requested in a press statement.

Scarcity of water has affected many temples besides Dharmasthala. People in the coastal region are praying to the almighty for rain. Tender coconuts were offered in prayers at Kadri temple during the last two days. Community prayers were held and tender coconuts were offered for rain to the deity in Kadri Majunath temple in the cooperation of local people and local groups.

Prayers have also been conducted by the Muslim community, and the Christian community too is scheduled to gather for a mass prayer for rain on a call given by the bishop of Mangaluru. An inter-faith prayer meet for rain was held on Friday May 17.