Coronavirus: Kerala’s Sabarimala temple to remain closed; no monthly prayers in shrine

 Sabarimala temple will remain shut for devotees due to the increase in number of COVID-19 cases in Kerala. The decision was taken after meeting between Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran and the tantri of the shrine.

Sabarimala Temple will remain closed, authorities stated. There will be no monthly prayers and the temple festival will also be cancelled

Kerala Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran said the decision was taken after a meeting with the Sabarimala tantri and Travancore Devaswom Board

This decision was taken in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak and the increase in number of COVID-19 cases in the state

The development came a day after the temple priest, in a letter to the TDB, asked for the temple not to be opened for devotees amid the COVID-19 outbreak

Earlier it was decided that the temple will be reopened on June 14, with a virtual queue system
 

To avoid crowding, only 50 devotees were to be allowed in front of the temple at a time. However, authorities have decided not to take the risk at all