PATHANAMTHITTA: There will be certain restrictions placed on Sabarimala devotees on December 26 on account of Solar eclipse and as the temple will remain closed from 7:30 am to 11:30 am.

Temples at Malikappuram and Pamba will also not open during those hours. On that day, when the deity will be adorned with Thanka Anki and Deeparadhana will be held, devotees will have only darshan for a little time.

On December 27, heavy rush of devotees is expected due to the beginning of Mandala pooja. District police chief G Jayadev has informed that devotees will be regulated on December 25 at stopover places on their way to Sabarimala in accordance with the rush.

Pathanamthitta, Vadassery, Nilakkal, Kottayam, Erumeli and Pathanapuram are such places.

Devotees will be regulated at Nilakkal as Pamba lacks basic facilities. At stopover points in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Kollam districts, food, water and primary needs will be made available.

A company of armed police each will be deployed additionally at Nilakkal, Sannidhanam, Erumeli and Pamba.

DIG will look after security arrangements.