Special prayers and yagnas were conducted at various Shiva temples across the district invoking the rain God as several parts of the State are reeling under drought.

Organised by the HR and CE department, large number of people, officials and MLAs participated in the special prayer for rain, which eluded Tamil Nadu for the last three years, official sources said.

Assembly members Amman K Arjunan, Ettimadai Shanmugam, Kasthuri Vasu and Kanagaraj attended the prayer in Patteeswarar Temple in Perur in the city.

Similar prayers were held in many temples including Subramanyaswami temple, Vanabhadrakaliayamman Temple, Malleeswarar Temple and Ramalingasamy Temple.

Seven Shivacharyas offered their prayers standing in waist deep water in Bhavani river in Mettupalayam, invoking the blessing of Lord Shiva and Varuna, the rain God.