Mantralaya, June 14 -- Despite continuous rains in the region, thousands of devotees are flocking to the famous Mantralaya shrine, leading to an unprecedented rush and a severe shortage of accommodation facilities. The growing influx of pilgrims has resulted in nearly 3,000 rooms in lodges, hotels and guest houses around the temple town being fully occupied.

With most accommodation facilities booked out, devotees are finding it increasingly difficult to secure even basic lodging arrangements. Many pilgrims arriving without prior reservations are being forced to wait for long hours or search extensively for available rooms.

The management of the revered Mutt has made alternative arrangements by opening Kalyana Mantapas and other communit...