From Monday Sabarimala temple, located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala will reopen for two months. It will be opened for the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival. The hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa will open its gate from Monday evening. The pilgrims will be allowed from Tuesday.
In the first phase, the temple will open its door for the Mandala puja festival for 41 days. It will be continued till 26th December. After that at the second phase, will be opened from 30th December and will conclude on 20th January. In the time the mandir will open for the Makaravilakku festival and the pilgrims will also be allowed for darshan.
But due to the heavy rain in the southern part, no spot booking will be allowed for three days. Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala held a meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. The government has decided there to stop spot booking in Sabarimala due to the warning of heavy rainfall in various districts.
Veena George, the health minister of Kerala, told on Sunday that the health department has organized detailed arrangements for devotees. Their main concern is to resist the spread of covid-19 disease.
State Government has given some instructions to the people. If they are willing to visit the Sabarimala temple then they have to obey the instructions. Rules are either they have to carry a full vaccination certificate or a negative RT-PCR test result that not older than 72 hours. An official told PTI that the devotees should also carry their Aadhaar cards. A tight security system will be arranged in and around the temple during festival time.
George said, “The services of expert doctors from medical colleges are ensured in Pamba and Sannidhanam. These centers will be operational from Monday.” She also added that oxygen parlors and five medical centers were being made up on the way the journey from Pamba to Sannidhanam.
State Minister said that if there is anyone who is suffering from chest pain, breathing problem, or excessive heartbeat during the journey towards the mandir then he or she should visit the nearest emergency center and will get priority. All types of medical facilities and trained nurses will be available there at all times.
On Sunday Veena George said specialized pharmacy stores have been set up in Erumeli, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam, Charalmedu, and Pamba.