Sabarimala tantri opposes plan to open temple for public on June 14

Even as the Travancore Devaswom Board is making all arrangements for the opening of Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala for the monthly rituals on June 14, the temple tantri has urged the board to not allow devotees to enter the shrine.

Tantri K.M. Mohanaru, in a letter to the TDB, said it would not be wise to open the temple for devotees in view of the coronavirus pandemic. He pointed out that things could turn worse if any devotee comes and later turns positive for COVID-19.

The tantri, who is the final word on all tantric and ritualistic procedures in the hill shrine, also urged the TDB to put off the temple festival. The TDB decided to hold the festival, which was to be held in March, this month after the government gave permission to open temples and other religious places.

“Despite the social distancing norms and safety precautions that have been put in place, there could still be a rush of pilgrims from other state,” the tantri said in his letter. He also said all mandatory rituals could be carried out without the presence of pilgrims.

TDB president N, Vasu, however, said he had not received any such letter and that the tantri family had been consulted before taking the decision on festival.