Sabarimala temple restricts devotees as Pamba river overflows

Sabarimala (Kerala) : The authorities at the famed Hindu temple Sabarimala on Monday decided not to allow devotees as the Pamba river is overflowing -- a situation described as unsafe for devotees by the temple administration.

The temple is situated along the banks of the Pamba and devotees visiting the temple usually take a dip in the river.

Speaking to the media, A. Padmakumar, president of the Travancore Devasom Board (TDB) which manages the Sabarimala Temple, said that while all pujas and religious activities starting Wednesday will go on as usual, new devotees will now not be allowed.

"Orders have been given to see that if any devotee comes without knowing this directive, they will be sent back as the police have erected barricades. The river Pamba is overflowing and hence we have decided that it's not safe to allow devotees," said Padmakumar.

The decision of the TDB was taken after the shutters of a few small dams in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district were opened following heavy rain in the past two days.

The restrictions will remain in place till further orders.