Thiruvananthapuram: The Lord Padmanabha Swamy temple opened
for devotees on Wednesday morning adhering to strict COVID-19
protocols.
The temple had not allowed worshippers inside since March 21 in view
of the COVID-19 pandemic. As many as 200 devotees offered prayers
this morning, temple sources said.
Adhering to COVID-19 protocols, oor markings had been made for
devotees to ensure social distancing. Only 35 devotees would be
allowed inside the shrine at a certain point of time with a maximum of
665 visitors a day.
Keeping up with the reverse quarantine norms, those over 60 and
children less than 10 years of age have been barred entry at the temple.
The timings for the darshan are 8 am to 11 am and from 5 pm to 6:45
pm. The deeparadhana will commence after 6:45 pm.
On July 13, a landmark judgement was passed by the Supreme Court
upholding the right of the Travancore royal family in administration of
Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple. This historic temple in Thiruvananthapuram is considered one of the richest temples in the
country. Congress MLA V D Satheeshan, who had moved the no
condence motion against the Pinarayi Vijayan government on August
24 was among those who offered worship to Lord Vishnu, the presiding
deity.
Online booking
Devotees wishing to offer prayers at the temple have to book a slot a
day in advance through the temple website www.spst.in. They have to
keep a hard copy of the permit and carry their original Aadhaar card
along with them during the temple visit.
A counter has been also been set up at the North gate for entry of
devotees to enter. The details have to be entered in a register, sources
said. Pilgrims are allowed to enter through spot bookings also after
verication of their Aadhaar cards.
(With inputs from PTI)
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