Devotees who visit the Sabrimala temple need to carry an RT-PCR test certificate, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) that manages the temple stated.
"Covid-19 negative certificate after an RT-PCR test, taken not more than 48 hours prior to their visit to the temple, is a must for the pilgrims to visit the shrine. Else they will not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage," N Vasu, TDB president, said in a release.
The High Court had recently raised the number of pilgrims allowed daily to 5,000. With the increase in number of pilgrims permissible, the state Health Department has intensified the antigen testing in the hill shrine.
However, only 100 people will be allowed to participate in the three-day procession carrying the Thiruvabharanam to be adorned on the idol of Lord Ayyappa during the Makaravilakku ceremony. The receptions to the procession at various points on the way have been cancelled, TDB stated.
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The temple will remain closed after the Mandala Puja on December 26 and then reopen for the Makaravilakku pooja on December 31.
Some of the precautionary steps that began earlier include:
- Devotees have to book through a virtual queue system.
- Covid-19 kiosks open at the base camps for testing.
- Devotees not allowed to stay at the temple premises.
- Antigen test facilities available in various centres including all bus stands and railway stations at Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kottayam, where pilgrims arrive to proceed to the Ayyappa temple.
- Only those in the 10-60 age group allowed to offer prayers at the shrine.
- Pilgrims can trek only through Swami Ayyappan road.
- Doctors including specialists posted on a rotation basis for seven days each while all other staff has been posted on a rotation basis for 15 days from November 15 to January 19, 2021.
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