With temples in Karnataka closed due to COVID-19, live streaming of pujas and sevas to begin soon

Devotees might soon be able to pray at major temples in the state without stepping into one.

The Muzrai department is planning to take puja online as some of the prominent temples across the state have lost more than Rs 100 crore in revenue due to the coronavirus lockdown.

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Normally, March and May are peak season for temples in the state as these three months form the holiday season. Unfortunately, no bells are ringing either in Kukke Subramanya or at Kolluru Mookambika — two of the most-visited temples in the state. The situation is similar at others due to the restrictions.

The drop in revenue is a big loss for the state government.

Data from the Muzrai Department shows that 200 temples in 'A' category (having revenue of more than Rs 25 lakh) raked in about Rs 113 crore between March and May of 2019.

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With temples falling silent, the department has decided to make arrangements in temples for online puja and delivery of prasadam through post.

"This service will be operational by end of this month," said a senior official of the department.

"We are preparing a list of temples. Once it is finalised, the same will be uploaded on the department website. Devotees who wish to avail online puja can pay the prescribed amount online. Temple authorities will arrange for an e-darshan and pooja. Prasadam will be sent through postal service."

The department has categorised temples into A, B and C based on the revenue they generate. Temples with revenue of more than Rs 25 lakh fall under the A category.

These include Kukke Subramanya temple, Kolluru Mookambika temple, Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru, Kateelu Durgaparameshwari Temple and Banashankari Temple in Bengaluru.