Sabarimala Temple
Sabarimala Temple in Kerala reopens with strict Covid-19 protocols
Thiruvananthapuram/IBNS: Sabarimala Temple dedicated to Lord Ayappa reopened on Saturday after seven months for a five-day monthly puja with all safety measures in place as Kerala continued to record a spike in Covid-19 cases, said media reports.
Only 250 devotees will be allowed everyday inside the hill shrine, and they will have to wear masks and carry Covid-19 negative certificates and a compulsory fitness certificate dated no more than 48 hours, said reports.
Currently, only people in the age group of 10 to 60 will be allowed to enter the temple, added the reports.
An NDTV report said today 246 people have registered online.
Rapid antigen tests are being conducted at Nilakkal base camp for those not carrying a negative test report.
Strict protocols have been placed to prevent spread of the infection. Rapid antigen tests are being conducted for the devotees not carrying Covid-19 negative certificates at the base camp.
The rituals like "neyyabhishekam" (ghee abhishekam) and "annadanam" (the sacred tradition of offering food) will be conducted adhering to Covid-19 protocols for which special arrangements have been made, reported NDTV.
For now, the customary bathing at Pamba river has been stopped and overnight stay at Pamba or Nilakkal (base camps) and "sannidhanam" (main temple premises).
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said shower systems will be arranged at Erumely and Pamba for the devotees to take bath as bathing at Pamba river has been discontinued.
Regular pujas will be held for the next five days starting from today which is also the first month of which is also the first day of Malayalam month "Thulam", said the report.
From November 16, the annual "Mandala Makaravilakku" season will start.
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