Mangaluru: As a precautionary measure amidst the coronavirus (COVID-19) scare, Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple managing trustee Sharavu Raghavendra Shasthri has asked the devotees not to visit the temple. He said that the temple itself would offer pooja for the welfare of the whole country.

In pursuance of this, the main gate of the temple has been locked so as to discourage the devotees from entering.

Raghavendra Shasthri informed that, as the district administration has asked the people not to visit temples in groups, the devotees should respect the direction. The temple itself is offering pooja in the morning, noon and evening and seeks relief from the coronavirus. Hence, devotees should stay at home and offer Pooja, he added.

He also informed that the annual Jathra Mahotsava of the temple will be held in a simple manner between March 25 and April 2. There will not be either a cultural programme or the Annadana at the temple as the district administration has instructed the management to organise rituals in a simple way.