Kottayam: Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala was opened on Friday evening for ''Meenamasa'' pooja. Chief Priest A K Sudheer Namboothiri lighted the lamp in the presence of Thantri Kandararu Maheshwararu Mohanararu. The temple will close on the night of March 18. In the wake of Coronavirus outbreak, various pujas have been cancelled in the temple. Only the temple rituals such as Deeparadhana, Uchapooja and Ushapooja among other poojas will be conducted. Since restrictions have been brought in place for devotees, they will not be provided with room facilities near Pamba and Sannidhanam. The appam and aravana stores will remain closed along with restaurants and other stores in these areas. The hospitals in Pamba and Sannidhanam will also remain closed.
Doctors will be employed in these area to contain emergency situations. Ambulance service will be available at Nilakkal. As per schedule, seven state buses will run from Pathanamthitta to Pamba. Travancore Devaswom Board authorities expect devotees to turn up for darshan despite restrictions put in place. Devotees will not be allowed to take bath in Pamba. Special arrangements have been made for devotees to take bath, sources said.
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