Guidelines developed for reopening of temples
ASHWIN Trikamjee, the president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said the Sabha, in consultation with the Purohit Council of the Shree Sanathan Dharma Sabha, Arya Samaj SA and other religious organisations, developed guidelines for temples that planned to reopen under level 3 of the lockdown.
These include all rules as specified by the government – wearing masks, sanitising and having limited people in attendance.
He said by using WhatsApp, an advanced register of attendees could be gathered and if temples reached their capacity, this could be communicated to the congregation to avoid possible unpleasant situations.
“It would also be useful to keep a log of where everyone sits.”
Trikamjee said a Covid-19 subcommittee should be established and personnel should be on standby to apply strict discipline.
He said no one should socialise after prayers.
“Priests need to control and regulate all rituals and poojas and they must have masks and gloves.
“All offerings must be made by the priest.
“The washing, cleaning and dressing of murthies must be under strict supervision.”
He said there should be no sharing of books, musical instruments, prasad (religious offerings) or any personal items and congregational singing was not allowed.
Services would be limited to two hours.
“Only one musician is allowed to sing or alternatively recorded music can be played.”
He said the removal of shoes before entering the temple would continue.
Trikamjee said the guidelines were not to replace the rules set out by the government but were additional interventions to ensure everyone’s safety.
“If management is unable to comply with the protocols, it would be appropriate to defer the opening of the temple.”
Sidney Govindsamy, president of the Devasthanam Foundation of South Africa, which serves at the National Council of South Indian Temples, said they provided guidelines for temples to follow should they need assistance.
“The organisation created a basic operation guideline similar to that of a business wherein all devotees will be screened, registers put in place and, most importantly, at least one individual within the organisation must be identified as a Covid-19 compliance officer.
“The person must not only be au fait with the rules but must be responsible for their implementation.”
He said the reopening of temples would enable worshippers to feel there was someone to protect them from misery and sorrow.
The Isipingo Shri Marieammen Temple would open daily from 7am to 4pm and the number of people entering would be monitored.
The Shree Marieammen Temple in Mount Edgecombe is also open.
Seelan Achary, chairperson of the temple, said devotees went to the temple on Monday to pray.
He said he was glad the restrictions were eased in time for the Mariamman prayer (porridge prayer) in July.
“We are still in the process of working out how the prayer will be carried out as we have to ensure all health regulations are adhered to.
“We are thinking of raising a temple flag for the prayer month and will perhaps accommodate 10 to 20 families per day, but not exceed the maximum number of people allowed at a time.”
Achary said historically, the prayer was conduced to cure measles and various illnesses and disease.
“A brass or clay pot is filled with sanctified water with turmeric, ginger and syringa leaves and is carried on the head to pray for good health.”
The prayer dates back to over 100 years when people in India faced famine and drought and where many children were infected with measles or the chickenpox.
The children were fed sour porridge, which is believed to have vedic healing.
“It cooled them internally and helped heal their wounds,” he said.