The new direction will come into effect in all 34,000 muzrai temples on Friday.
V Somanna speaking to press persons after reviewing programmes of the department, on Thursday, said that now priests are opening temples at 7 am or 8 am.
It would be too late for the devotees, who wish to offer special prayers. If the priests begin prayers at 6 am, the public will be benefited.
The minister said that there was nothing wrong if priests offer prayers seeking rains for the state.
The chief minister of the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh conducted a special homa for rains. However, he made it clear that his department has not issued a direction asking priests to conduct prayers for rains.
The minister said the department has decided to amend the Muzrai Act to make provision for sacking those temple trustees and priests who are involved in misappropriation of funds. The existing laws did not allow the government to sack trustees before the completion of their term.
The department would launch a programme to renovate three temples each in all taluks, on August 15. Around Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh would be spent on each temple, he said.
Krishnaiah Setty, Muzrai Development Board Chairman too attended the meeting.
