Devotees were allowed to enter the shrine of Kerala’s Sabarimala temple, starting Saturday, a day after the temple was reopened after closing seven months ago, PTI reported. 

The hill shrine dedicated to Lord Ayappa has been reopened for the five-day monthly pujas. It was closed on March 24 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The temple reopened on Friday at 5 pm and devotees were allowed to enter from Saturday morning at 5 am. The day marks the first day of Malayalam month ‘Thulam’,  sources of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the shrine told PTI.

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, protocols have been put in place and several guidelines have been issued for the devotees.

Also read: Sabarimala case explained: Protests, Supreme Court verdict and why women were barred

Only 250 devotees, between 10 and 60 years of age, will be allowed each day.

Pilgrims will have to mandatorily carry COVID-19 negative certificates of tests conducted 48 hours prior to their visit, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, PTI reported. They’ll also have to book darshan time and day through a virtual queue system, the CM added.

They should also carry a medical certificate stating that they were fit to trek the holy hills. They also need to carry masks, sanitisers and gloves and strictly follow COVID-19 protocol.

There should be no gathering of devotees and social distancing should be maintained, Vijayan said.

All other routes to Sabarimala, except through Vadasserikkara and Erumeli, have been closed and police personnel have been deployed in required numbers, the CM said.

Medical and paramedical staff have been deployed at the hospitals at Nilackal, Pamba and Sannidhanam.

Pilgrims are not permitted to stay at Sannidhanam, Nilackkalor Pamba in view of the COVID-19 situation.