BANGALORE, INDIA, January 27, 2009: Following the recommendations of Agamic scholars, all temples in Karnataka were directed to perform special pujas or religious rituals immediately after Monday’s solar eclipse, which occurred on Republic Day.
A circular issued by Muzrai and Housing Minister B.N. Krishnaiah Shetty ordered this precaution to ensure the safety of the people and the general good of the State. Shetty explained that “the position of stars is not auspicious” for the State. “Big temples in towns perform pujas. The circular will ensure that it is done in smaller villages also.”
Money for the pujas came from the money donated directly to each temple by its devotees, and not any special allocation made by the government.