PALA: From now on, those who come to seek the blessings of goddess 'Ambalappurathamma' will also be able to read the history of COVID-19. The 'COVID Memorial Tower' will be erected at the entrance of the Sri Bhagwati Temple at Pala Ambalappuram. This is the first such initiative in Kerala.

The memorial will record the date on which the religious institutions across the world were shut down as per the instruction of the World Health Organisation (WHO). It will also record the beginning of COVID, its spread and the number of deaths caused by it. The monument includes the symbol of Kovid and the entrance to the temple tower.

The construction will be led by the architect of the temple, Thodupuzha AM Manoj. Construction of the temple will begin on Wednesday after special poojas. Temple authorities are planning to dedicate the COVID memorial to the public on December 21.