Panaji, Jun 22 (IANS): A temple in the coastal village of Arambol in North Goa, which is a popular beach destination for Russian tourists, has banned the presence of women and drinking of alcohol near a pond, claiming religious rites are performed at the site.

Images of the signboard, which says "Please note: Alcohol & Ladies are not allowed here - Courtesy Arambol village panchayat, Rashtroli Devasthan, Korkhanwada, Arambol" have gone viral since Sunday.

Manisha Korkhankar sarpanch of the Arambol village panchayat said that signage had been put up by the temple committee. "Since it is a holy place, women who have periods are not allowed. And alcohol drinking is anyway not allowed," Korkhankar told reporters here, adding that there were some complaints about people drinking alcohol in close proximity of the temple pond.

The temple is a short distance away from Armabol beach, which is a sought after beach resort location especially for Russian tourists as well as domestic tourists from Maharashtra. Korkhankar also said that the signage had also been put up as a caution in wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We do not want too many people to come here in these times, to prevent the spread of coronavirus. It will be taken off after the pandemic passes," she said.