Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala is all set to open for Mandala Makaravilakku poojas on November 15, in compliance with the COVID protocol and the guidelines set by the Travancore Devaswom Board.
Mandala pooja with Thanka Anki Charthal (adorning the deity with the sacred golden attire) would be held on December 26, after which the temple would remain closed. The temple Nada would reopen for Makara Vilakku poojas on December 30. Makara Vilakku is on January 14, 2021.
The pilgrims would be allowed entry for Temple darshan only complying with the COVID guidelines and regulations, Travancore Devaswom Board President N Vasu said.
On working days, as many as 1000 pilgrims would be allowed entry through the virtual queue system in place, totally following the COVID protocol. On holidays, 2000 pilgrims would be allowed to enter the shrine temple. On the special days of Mandala Pooja and Makara Vilakku festival at the Temple, a maximum of 5000 pilgrims would be let in for darshan of Lord Ayyappa.
Only those who register for entry through the virtual queue system would be permitted to enter the temple premises. COVID negative certificates tested within the previous 48 hours is mandatory for all pilgrims who register and reach for darshan on the allotted date. For those who come without testing negative for COVID 19, the test would be facilitated at Nilakkal and entry is possible only after testing negative.
As part of the COVID regulations at Sabarimala, pilgrims won’t be allowed to bathe in River Pamba and for Neyyabhishekam (Ghee Abhishekam). Annadhanam would be conducted as per COVID protocol by ensuring a safe physical distance. The pilgrims will not be allowed to set up a temporary shelter (Viri Vekkal) at Sannidhanam. Entry for the pilgrims would be allowed only by Swami Ayyappan Road, the TDB president elaborated.
The regulation on the number of pilgrims allowed entry to the temple would be reviewed if there is a change in the COVID transmission rate in the State, Vasu added.
