Udupi: Management of Kaup Marigudi issued a clarification after a fake WhatsApp message which claimed that Goddess Mari had prescribed the medicine to ward off coronavirus ill-effects went viral.

The message read preparing a concoction of tea leaves boiled in water, and by adding jaggery and turmeric to it can cure coronavirus. After the message went viral, Executive officer of Hosa Marigudi at Kaup, Prashanth Kumar Shetty, asked the people not to rely on this false information.

The management has also filed a complaint in this regard.

Meanwhile, Udupi district deputy commissioner G Jagadeesha visited the temple and instructed the police to take strict action against rumour-mongers who are playing with the sentiments and beliefs of the common people.

The Maripuja scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday was cancelled at the last minute at the behest of the district administration.