Chennai: In the wake of coronavirus scare (COVID -19) and to prevent further spread of the same Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam (SASS) has requested devotees to avoid visiting the Sabarimala Temple, when it will be opened for monthly pooja from 13 to 18 March and for the festival from 28 March to 7 April.
In a press release, SASS national general secretary N Rajan said the rituals at the Ayyappa temple would go on as per the religious calendar and without any disruption. However, the temple will not be distributing its appam and aravana to the devotees as the counters will remain closed.
Rajan clarified that devotees/ ayyappas, who have worn/put the sacred garland (mala/mudra) in their neck and have undertaken vrutha, can go to a local temple and take out the ‘mala/mudra’ from their neck and complete the vrutha, for the time being, after chanting ”Swamiye Saranamayyappa/ saranaghosham 108 times”.
Once the COVID -19 issue is controlled and restrictions removed, they can visit Sabarimala for darsan, he said.