President Murmu to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple today

IANS May 19, 2025 349 views

President Droupadi Murmu is set to create history by becoming the first sitting Indian President to visit the renowned Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple in Kerala. Her visit comes during the monthly Edavam rituals and involves carefully planned travel arrangements from Nilakkal helipad to the temple's hilltop location. Special security protocols have been implemented, temporarily restricting devotee access during her visit. This landmark journey highlights the cultural and spiritual significance of one of India's most important pilgrimage sites.

"A momentous occasion for the temple and the nation" - Travancore Devaswom Board
President Murmu to offer prayers at Sabarimala temple today
New Delhi, May 19: President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple in Kerala on Monday, becoming the first sitting President of India to offer prayers at this revered hill shrine.

Key Points

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First sitting President to visit iconic Sabarimala temple

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Historic pilgrimage during monthly Edavam rituals

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Special security arrangements planned for presidential visit

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Shrine located in Kerala's Western Ghats region

The historic visit marks a major milestone for the temple, one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in the country.

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the governing body that manages the temple, confirmed the President’s visit, calling it a momentous occasion.

President Murmu’s visit is part of a two-day tour of Kerala. On the morning of May 19, she is expected to reach the Nilakkal helipad and travel to the Pampa base camp. From there, she may either trek the 4.25 km uphill route to the temple like traditional devotees or take a vehicle via the steep emergency access road.

The final travel arrangement will be determined by the Special Protection Group (SPG), which is overseeing her security.

The temple, which opened on May 14 for the monthly rituals associated with the Malayalam month of Edavam, will conclude these observances around the time of her visit.

In anticipation of heightened security, the authorities have imposed restrictions at the shrine on May 18 and 19. Devotee access will be temporarily halted, and the virtual queue ticket system has been suspended for those days.

Located in the Western Ghats within Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, Sabarimala is one of India’s most sacred and frequently visited pilgrimage destinations, drawing millions of devotees each year.

Sabarimala, perched at an elevation of 3,000 feet, traditionally requires pilgrims to undergo a 41-day penance followed by a barefoot ascent from the banks of the Pampa River.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
This is a proud moment for all devotees of Lord Ayyappa! Having our President visit Sabarimala shows how our culture and traditions are respected at the highest levels. Hope her pilgrimage brings blessings to our nation 🙏
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the President's visit, the complete shutdown for devotees is disappointing. Many plan their pilgrimage months in advance. Couldn't security arrangements be made without completely stopping regular worship?
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Arjun S.
Historic moment indeed! But I hope the President takes the traditional path like millions of devotees do every year. That would truly connect her with the spiritual essence of Sabarimala. The climb is part of the tapasya!
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Sunita R.
As a Malayali, I'm so happy to see Sabarimala getting this recognition! Our temple traditions are unique and beautiful. Hope this visit helps more people understand the deep spiritual significance beyond the political debates.
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Vikram J.
The security arrangements must be massive! Sabarimala's terrain is challenging even in normal circumstances. Kudos to the SPG and Kerala police for managing this. Safety first, but hope the spiritual atmosphere isn't compromised too much.
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Meena P.
Beautiful gesture by our President! In our diverse country, such visits by leaders to different places of worship show unity in diversity. May Lord Ayyappa bless her and our nation. Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa! 🕉️

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Tags:
President Droupadi Murmu Sabarimala Temple Kerala Pilgrimage Indian Presidential Visit Ayyappa Temple