Pathanamthitta: With the start of the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam, on Monday, the Mandala Makaravilakku pilgrim season begins at Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.
Priests Sudheer Namboothiri and Jayaraj Potti (Purappeda Shanthimar) opened the Temple Nada at 5 in the morning On Monday, the first of Vrishchikam. Ayyappa pilgrims who had registered and booked their slot in the virtual queue system have started climbing uphill for Ayyappa darshan.
Strict regulations have been put in place owing to the COVID situation and a special COVID protocol is being followed during the pilgrim season. Entry is allowed only to the pilgrims who have booked through the virtual queue system.
As many as 1000 pilgrims would be let in for darshan this season every day according to the protocol followed. The devotees will not be permitted to stay at the base Pamba or at Sannidhanam.
A COVID negative certificate issued by registered labs within the past 24 hours is mandatory for entry. COVID testing will be facilitated at the base for those who reach without testing for COVID.
All sanitation facilities have been arranged for the pilgrims. Pilgrims will not be allowed to take a dip in the Pamba River considering the COVID situation. Instead, shower bath areas have been facilitated for the pilgrims to take bath.
Arrangements have been made at Nilakkal for the pilgrims to set up temporary shelters (Viri vekkal) to stay over. Vehicles can also be parked only at Nilakkal. The vehicles can go up to Pamba to drop off the pilgrims and return to Nilkkal parking area to park the vehicles.
The pilgrims must return and leave the premises immediately after darshan as per the regulations.
