Kochi: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has enforced restriction on use of mobile phones at Sannidhanam after videos of the temple sanctorum of Lord Ayyappa temple went viral on social media.
"The visuals of 'Sopanam' and 'Srikovil' on WhatsApp groups are posing a security risk. Hence use of mobile phones after 'holy 18 steps' is banned," said TDB sources.
If any devotee is caught using mobile phone, a warning will be issued in the first instance but strict action including fine and gadget seizure will be taken for repeated offense, TDB president N. Vasu said.
The TDB has also decided to take action against those attempting to defame the temple on social media. This after fake news on death lizard in aravana started doing the rounds on the social media a few days back.
A continuous monitoring of temple premise will be done using CCTV cameras. Besides, security personnel will be deployed in mafti too to check the use of mobile phones.
A heavy rush of pilgrims is being witnessed this time around at the hill shrine. Over 77 lakh pilgrims have visited the temple since its opening for the two-month pilgrimage season on November 16.
The heaviest rush was witnessed on December two when a total of 52, 060 devotees visited the shrine.
