Kerala: Sabarimala temple in Kerala, which remained inaccessible to devotees for months due to Covid-19-related restrictions, will be reopening its doors from today (October 16) for 'Thula Masam' pooja, a P.R. issued by The Travancore Devaswom Board said on Thursday.

As per details derived from the source, on the day of the opening, the lamps would be lit by the present head priest VK Jayaraj Potti in the presence of Thanthri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru.  The prayers will start from the next day. The devotees will also be allowed to enter the Sabarimala temple from Sunday (Oct 17) from 5:00 am onwards. The devotees will be permitted only on the basis of the virtual booking system. They either have to produce their double dose vaccination certificate or an RT-PCR negative certificate before entering the temple. 

'Thula Masam' is a monthly prayer in the 'Tulam' month as per the Malayalam calendar. On October 17, a draw of lots will also be held, to select the next head priest of Sabarimala, in the presence of Devaswom president N Vasu and other officials. Further, the temple will be shut on October 21 after completing monthly prayers. The temple will reopen again for Atta Chithira pooja on November 2 and will be closed on the next day after the pooja.

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