Hassan, Oct 8 (IANS): Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies minister K. Gopalaiah on Thursday announced that the state government was contemplating banning public entry in the famous Hasanamba temple in Hassan, which opens for just about 10 days in a year.

Situated 183 km to the west of Bengaluru, Hassan derives its name from the presiding deity of Hasanamba Temple.

Speaking to reporters here, Gopalaiah said, "The Hasanamba temple will open on November 5 and only a few leaders and priests will be allowed to enter the temple. Public entry has been banned due to the rise in Covid cases in recent times."

He added that those who visit the temple on November 5 including priests will have to undergo Covid tests.

The Minister said that Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa will inaugurate the temple opening and the state government will install huge LCD screens across Hassan city to enable the people to seek blessings from the deity.

The Goddess of Shakti, Hasanamba has chosen her abode in the heart of Hassan city.

Hasanamba gives 'darshan' to her devotees only once a year. Depending on the Hindu calendar, the duration varies each year.

The temple only opens on the Thursday following the full moon day in the month of Ashwija (usually late October-early November).

The temple closes on the day of Balipadyami when the rest of Karnataka is celebrating Deepavali.

According to folklore, once when the seven Maatrukes (Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vyshnavi, Varahi, Indrani and Chamundi) came floating to the South of India, they were entranced by the beauty of Hassan and decided to make it their permanent abode.

Maheshwari, Kaumari, and Vyshnavi took up residence in the three anthills inside the temple, Brahmi in Kenchamma's Hosakote, while Indrani, Varahi and Chamundi chose the three wells in Devigere Honda.

A miracle happens when the flowers offered and the lamp lit the previous year are found intact on the opening day to strengthen people's belief in the Mother Goddess.

The structure seen at the entrance of Hasanamba temple is another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva locally called Siddheshwara. It is renowned for its self-manifested linga. There's also an interesting idol of a nine-headed Ravana playing the veena (a musical instrument) here.

The annual chariot festival also takes place on the day of closing the Hasanamba temple during Deepavali.