The iconic Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala reopened for the monthly poojas on Monday.  A thick security cover has been put in place by police in and around the shrine to avoid any untoward incident. The Kerala police has deployed  nearly 2,300 security personnel, including 100 women and a 20-member commando team in and around the shrine and security has been tightened in the nearby areas of Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal, and Elavunkal in the backdrop of violent protests over entry of women of menstrual age last month. If necessary, around 30 women police personnel in the rank of circle inspector and sub-inspector and above the age of 50 would be deployed at 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex) for security, they said.

The pilgrims will be allowed to go up the pathway only on Monday afternoon, an official said. The temple opens its door at 5 p.m. and closes on Tuesday at 10 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Pathanamthitta district collector in Kerala has imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in Sabarimala and nearby areas ahead of the Chithira Avittom Pooja. The hill shrine in Sabarimala will be open for devotees on November 5 and 6. Prohibitory orders will be in place from Saturday midnight till Tuesday midnight.