Pathanamthitta (Kerala): The pilgrims have started reaching the Sannidhanam for Ayyappa Darshan at Sabarimala Temple in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, from December 31 morning.
Though the Temple Nada was opened in the evening on December 30 for Makaravilakku pilgrimage, the pilgrims were let in only from the morning on December 31.
Usually, there would be a massive crowd to get the Ayyappa Darshan on the new year’s day, every year. However, this time, amid the strict COVID regulations, only 5000 pilgrims are permitted inside the Temple for Darshan per day.
The pilgrims who have booked their slots on the virtual queue system in advance would only be allowed to enter the premises. As part of following the COVID guidelines, the pilgrims’ temperatures are being screened at the Valiya Nadapandhal using a thermal scanner.
The pilgrims, who have had their darshan, would not be allowed to stay back at the Sannidhanam.
They would have to trek down to Pamba and leave immediately. The Temple Nada is to close on January 20, after the Makaravilakku pilgrimage. Pilgrims would be permitted to have darshan till January 19. COVID negative certificate has been made mandatory for entry into the temple precincts. No one would be let in without a valid COVID negative certificate taken within 48 hours from the reporting time for entry.
