Bangalore: Turning to divinity, Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna on June 8 offered prayers at a temple, dargah, gurudwara and basilica in Bangalore for rains to the drought-hit state, describing the situation as "very serious".

"I am spiritually charged", Krishna told reporters at Mastan Dargah after winding up his two-hour long visit that also took him to Jalakanteshwara temple, St Mary's basilica and gurudwara in Ulsoor.

Krishna said the whole nation was clamouring for rains and the last two monsoons had left a bitter trail in Karnataka and the present monsoon was also delayed.

Describing the problem as "very serious", he said, "Our reservoirs are empty. We are looking concerned". "If there is still some smile left, clouds have provided the reason for that".

"We have come here with abundant faith to pray to the almighty to bless us", Krishna, whose government had given a call to people to pray for rains in temples, mosques, churches and other religious places on June 4 and 5, said.

Prayers were held at all the places Krishna visited.

Karnataka has been reeling under drought for the second consecutive year, with 153 of the 175 taluks affected.

Amidst mounting concern over delayed monsoon and depleted reservoirs, the government had asked the people to pray for rains. Water is being supplied in Bangalore and old Mysore districts once in three days. The situation in Northern Karnataka is much more grim.

PTI