Poonam Nath

Droupadi Murmu to visit Sabarimala temple- First Indian President to do so

Digital Desk: On May 19, President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to become the first Indian president to pray at the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple in Kerala while in office. Her planned visit was confirmed by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which oversees the shrine and describes it as a historic occasion for both the temple and the country.

The president's two-day trip to Kerala includes a visit to the sacred temple. When she gets to Kerala on May 18, she is expected to go to a private ceremony in the Kottayam area.

The following morning, she will fly to the Nilakkal helipad near the temple and then to the Pampa base camp, where she will either trek the 4.25-kilometre uphill path like traditional pilgrims or be driven to the mountaintop shrine via a steep emergency road.

Moreover, the Special Protection Group (SPG), which oversees security arrangements, will make the final decision on her mode of travel.

 PS Prasanth, president of the Travancore Devaswom Board, stated, “This is the first time a president has decided to visit the Sabarimala shrine. The SPG will decide whether she will trek or be driven up the hill. We will abide by their direction."

"The visit has been discussed for two to three weeks. Now that it is certain, we have started urgent road repair and building work. Once official confirmation arrives, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will convene a stock-taking meeting. This will be a historic visit," he added.

Murmu's visit will coincide with the culmination of poojas for the Malayalam month of Edavam. The temple, which opened on May 14 for the monthly rites, generally attracts a significant number of pilgrims, but authorities have issued limits for May 18 and 19. Darshan will not be permitted on those days, and virtual line ticket services have been discontinued to ensure security during the President's visit.

Sabarimala, a famed pilgrimage spot in Kerala, will host the first president to offer prayers at the temple. The 41-day penance period, followed by a barefoot journey from the Pampa River, is required for entry.

The President is expected to prepare the Irumudi at the Pampa base camp, marking a rare and momentous moment in the temple's history.

VV Giri, the last high-profile statesman to visit Sabarimala, did so while serving as Governor of Kerala. Murmu's visit to the temple is anticipated to be the first in its history.