Hanur: As part of precautionary steps taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr. M.R. Ravi has restricted the visiting hours for devotees and public to Male Mahadeshwara Temple.

Earlier, the district administration was making preparations to allow devotees to have darshan at Male Mahadeshwara Temple from 4 am to 10 pm. 

But due to rise in number of infected cases in Kollegal and Hanur taluk in recent days, DC Dr. M.R. Ravi did not agree to the above timings and suggested temple authorities to restrict visiting hours for devotees from 7 am to 7 pm, as per his earlier instructions.

Secretary of Sri Male Mahadeshwara Swamy Temple Kshetra Development Authority Jayavibhava Swamy said that, as per the latest set of norms issued by district administration, devotees are not permitted to participate in early morning and evening rituals such as Abhisheka, which are held at 4 am and 6.30 pm. 

After 5.30 pm, vehicles will not be allowed towards Male Mahadeshwara Hills from Tala Betta.