Devotees visiting the Gokarna Mahaganapati Temple will no longer be permitted to directly touch the Ganesha idol while offering worship. The decision is expected to bring a change to the traditional way many devotees have been performing their prayers at the temple.
The new restriction has been introduced as part of measures to protect the sanctity and physical condition of the idol and to ensure that worship is conducted in an orderly manner. Devotees will still be able to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha without directly touching the idol.
The change may come as a surprise to devotees who have traditionally followed the practice of touching the idol during worship. Temple authorities are expected to guide visitors regarding the revised worship procedure and ensure that devotees can have a smooth and respectful darshan.