Thiruvananthapuram: The sanctum sanctorum of Sabarimala temple will open for special rituals for the Malayalam month of ‘Chingam’ at 5 pm on August 16. The chief priest will light the lamp and Ayyappa devotees will be allowed darshan inside the temple following that. 

The temple will remain open from August 17 to 21. Entry is allowed through the virtual queue system. Spot booking system has also been arranged in Nilakkal. 

On Chingam 1, the sanctum sanctorum of the temple will open at 5 am. The temple will close on the 21st of this month at 10 pm. The temple will reopen on September 6 for Onam special pooja and close on September 10.