People in Uttar Pradesh's Partagarh district were seen offering prayers at a neem tree where a 'Corona Mata' temple was set up to seek protection from the COVID-19 virus.
"After witnessing the coronavirus pandemic and its deadly impact which snatched lives of thousands of people, we decided to set up Corona Mata temple under a 'neem' tree with full belief that praying to the deity would definitely offer respite to people from the deadly disease," a villager told ANI.
Visuals show the idol wearing a mask with 'Corona Mata Mandir' written above it. People in large numbers gathered at the mandir location and offered prayers and sweets.
Villagers have reportedly collected donations to set up the mandir in Shuklapur village of the district.
"Villagers collectively decided and set up the temple with belief that praying to the deity would definitely offer respite to people from the corona virus, which has claimed so many lives," another villager said.
While they gather to worship the 'Corona Mata' idol and seek safety for people in Shuklapur and adjoining areas, the villagers are careful to follow Covid safety protocols. They remind people to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
A notice on the temple wall where the idol has been installed bears this notice 'Use mask, wash your hands and maintain distance. Only yellow colour flowers, fruits, sweets and others are allowed as offering'.
It is not the first time a temple was set up whose deity has been named after a disease. Earlier, similar deities were made during the times of epidemic or natural disasters like chicken pox plague and cholera.
Last month a temple in Tamil Nadu' Coimbatore consecrated a 'Corona Devi' idol to protect people from the deadly Covid-19 virus.
Consecrating deities to protect people from deadly diseases has been in practice for many years, said the priest at the Kamatchipuri Adhinam temple.
In the early 1900s when Coimbtore district was hit by the plague, its residents seeking relief had reportedly offered prayers at the Plague Mariamman Temple.
