Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Devaswom Minister K. Surendran on Thursday said that there will be no Lord Ayyappa Swamy darshan at the famed Sabarimala Hill shrine for devotees from June 14, in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking to press persons here yesterday, Surendran said that Travancore Devaswom Board, which runs the temple, met recently to decide whether to open the temple for devotees in the wake of the commencement of monthly rituals from June 14. The Board after prolonged deliberations on the pros and cons of opening the temple for devotees in the backdrop of Corona spread scare, decided against opening of the temple and accordingly, the temple will be shut for devotees from June 14, he said and added that the temple festival too has been cancelled considering the health and safety of the people.