Sabarimala temple reopens COVID-negative proof required for entry

Around seven months after it was closed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the doors of Sabarimala temple were thrown open for devotees from Friday, albeit with certain restrictions.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has made it mandatory to carry a COVID-19 negative certificate while visiting the temple, while only 250 people are being allowed for darshan (visit) per day.

Adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines, devotees have started thronging the temple.

As per the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), only 250 people will be allowed on a single day and booking will be done on a first-come-first-serve basis. A queue portal for the booking has been opened for the public.

Devotees will ascend and descend through Swami Ayyappan Road, while special marks have been drawn for devotees at Sannidhanam, in accordance with the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

“There will be no accommodation for devotees at Sabarimala. In addition to the regular poojas, Udayasthamana and Padi poojas, however, will be held,” the TDB said.