Thiruvananthapuram: The government has approved the suggestion to allow darshan in Sabarimala temple during Mandalam-Makaravilakku season strictly bound by conditions in the wake of Covid pandemic.
A maximum of 1000 devotees will be allowed to have darshan from Monday to Friday following COVID protocol. Also 2000 devotees can visit the temple on Saturday and Sunday and 5000 devotees will be allowed during auspicious days like Mandala Puja and Makaravilakku.
Puja and darshan via online will not be allowed. The recommendation in this regard put forward by the committee headed by the chief secretary was not approved by the government and Devaswom Board. A detailed guidelines will be issued soon to inform the conditions for having darshan.
The recommendations of the committee was approved during a meeting of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran. Only those who registered in the COVID Jagratha Portal will be allowed to enter the temple. They also have to upload COVID negative certificate issued within 48 hours.
Antigen test will be conducted at Nilakkal. Pilgrimage through traditional routes will not be allowed. The pilgrims will not be allowed to take bath in Pamba river. Maximum 250 devotees will be allowed on the day of monthly puja in Thulam adhering to COVID protocol. The shrine will open on October 16.
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