From today onwards, RT PCR test result mandatory for those who seek entry to Sabarimala

PATHANAMTHITTA: From today onwards, RT PCR negative test result for covid 19 is mandatory for those pilgrims who seek entry to Sabarimala shrine. Travancore Devaswom Board in its press release has said that those who seek darshan should produce the negative test result of the RT PCR test for covid 19 which was conducted prior to 48 hours.

“The devotees should produce a negative certificate for covid 19, from the RT PCR test done prior to 48 hours. Otherwise, they would not be allowed to visit the shrine,” read the statement issued by TDB president N Vasu.

Recently high court has issued a verdict increasing the per day limit of devotees in the shrine to 5,000. Meanwhile, the government thinks that if the number of pilgrims is increased, then it would be difficult to implement the Covid 19 protocol.

However, the Devaswom Board has limited the number of those who take part in the Tanka Anki procession. The chariot was only halted in predetermined stops. The temple will be closed after the Mandalapooja. The temple will be again re-opened on December 31st for Makaravilakku Pooja.