Sabarimala Temple to reopen for devotees on November 15

The Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Ayappa is all set to reopen from November 15, Monday, for devotees. The temple is going to reopen for the pilgrimage season, which is known as Mandala-Makaravilakku.
The annual pilgrimage continues for two whole months, and is all set to begin this year on November 16. According to reports, the temple will permit 30000 devotees to visit the temple during this time, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also, children who are below the age of 10 have also been permitted to visit the temple.
The temple authorities have also announced that all pilgrims must follow COVID 19 protocols. This means that a visitor either needs to show a negative covid certificate that is not older than 72 hours, or has a vaccination certificate showing double dosage. Only then will they be allowed to enter the temple premises. Along with this, devotees must also present a valid ID proof, such as a passport, Aashar, among others.
The good news is that Sabarimala is also going to operate a COVID testing facility in Nilakkal, which will cost INR 500 for a test. Moreover, RT-PCR test facilities will also be available at railway stations in Chengannur, Thiruvalla, and Kottayam. It is being said that the test reports will be available in 3 hours time.
In Nilakkal, 10 counters will be set up for spot booking in a virtual queue. However, during this time the temple has restricted devotees from camping at Sannidhanam, and Pampa.