Sabarimala: Kerala Government Allows Devotees From November 16, Check Conditions

Sabarimala: Kerala Government Allows Devotees From November 16, Check Conditions

25k devotees to be initially allowed daily for Makaravilakku season | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With Sabarimala pilgrimage season at the famous Ayyappa Swamy hill temple to commence in Sabarimala from November 16th, the Kerala Government has given the green signal for devotees to come, but with few restrictions in place. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday stated that only  25,000 devotees would be permitted entry daily during the initial days.

A review meeting with State ministers of the forest, health, water resources, State Police officials, and the Sabarimala Temple board members was held to review the situation before the Mandala-Makaravilakku season begins in November.  If the number of devotees needs to be changed, it would be discussed later and necessary steps would be taken, he said in a state government release.

The guidelines for regulating the Sabarimala pilgrimage were primarily the same as last year.

-Amidst the ongoing pandemic, it was decided to continue the virtual queue system for entry into the temple.

-Pilgrims below the age of 10 and above 65 will also be allowed entry.

-Only those who have taken two vaccine doses or have a negative RTPCR report would be permitted to enter the shrine.

-The Sabarimala Devaswom Board should make arrangements to give 'Neyyabhishekam' (the anointed ghee) to all devotees.

-Devotees would not be allowed to stay at the Sannidhanam after the darshan is over.

-Pilgrims will not be allowed on the forest path via Erumeli or on the traditional route to Sannidhanam via Pulmedu.

-Pilgrim vehicles would only be allowed up to Nilackal and from there KSRTC buses should be used to reach Pampa river where permission for bathing has been granted.

-Authorities have been directed to provide necessary facilities for the pilgrims.

-KSRTC has been asked to provide adequate toilets at its bus stops for the pilgrims.

The Chief Minister also suggested that devotees who are not COVID-19 positive but suffer from comorbidities should come for the pilgrimage only after a health check-up.

Also Read: TTD Rules For Devotees For Tirumala Brahmotsavams