"sabarimala"

Making the 5 km uphill trek, he was wearing the traditional "Bead Mala" and carrying the "Irumudi Kettu" on his head, like all devotees

The ruling LDF is hoping to retain power for a second consecutive term breaking the state's four-decades-old trend of alternating between the UDF every five year.

Covid-19 negative certificate is mandatory for devotees who want to visit the temple.

Around 2,000 cases related to Sabarimala agitation were registered across various districts in the state during 2018- 19.

Women of age group between 10 and 50 are not allowed to enter the hill shrine but a Supreme Court's verdict had allowed entry of women of all ages to the temple.

TDB President N Vasu said the RT-PCR test certificate, taken not more than 48 hours prior to their visit to the temple, is must for pilgrims from December 26.