(Image source from: loudfront.net)

The Kerala government has allowed the pilgrims to enter the Sabarimala Temple for the 5-day puja event in October.

A five day puja event will be held in Sabarimala Temple from the mid October and from November 16 for the two month Mandala Makaravilaku pilgrimage season.

In June, the Travancore pilgrimage board has decided not to allow the pilgrimage for the public for the monthly prayers.

How long will the temple be open?

The temple will be open for pilgrims from the start of Malayalam month Tulam that begins this year from October 17.

The temple will open once again during the Mandala puja which is on December 26 and the temple will be closed on the next day after the 41 days pilgrimage season.

It will again be opened on December 30 for the Makaravilakku pilgrimage season and will be closed on January 21, 2020.

Devotees will be allowed in the temple whenever the temple opens.

Who will be allowed to enter the temple?

• All the devotees wearing masks will be allowed.
• Children and senior citizens above 65 years will not be allowed inside the temple.
• Only those people who book through the virtual queue system of the Kerala Police can proceed to the darshan.
• People will be assigned time slots to visit the temple and they have to come accordingly to maintain physical distancing.

Should devotees take a COVID test?

All the people who are wishing to enter the Sabarimala Temple will have to undergo an antigen test at the Kerala health department facility at Pampa before proceeding to the darshan.

What are the other protocols being implemented?

• Kerala State government buses will travel to take the devotees to Sabarimala following the COVID restrictions.
• Disposable paper plates will be used for the annadanam program.
• Drinking water will be provided to the devotees in steel bottles from Pampa for Rs. 100.
• However the amount will be refunded when the devotees return the bottles.
• Pilgrims will not be allowed to rest over night in the guest houses or temple premises.
• Viriveppu, the resting facility will be allowed at a limited number at Nilakkal base camp.

What additional facilities are installed at the temple?

• No devotee will be able to take a dip in the river Pamba.
• In the Erumeli and Pamba bathing ghats, sprinklers and showers will be installed for the devotees.
• Special arrangements are already being made for the ghee Abhishekam.
• Outlets and shops near the temple premises will be opened to ensure all the essential items are available.

Can devotees from other states go to Sabarimala?

• There is no ban as such for devotees from other states.
• Devaswom minister will arrange a virtual meeting with the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Chief ministers to discuss the safety measures. Pilgrims mostly come from these states.

By Gayatri Yellayi