NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Travancore Devaswom Board is calling President Murmu's upcoming Sabarimala visit a proud moment for the temple. She'll arrive by helicopter and proceed to Sannidhanam for evening darshan during her two-day Kerala visit. This comes as the temple prepares to open for Thula month puja starting October 17. Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court has ordered an SIT probe into alleged gold theft from the temple.

Key Points: President Murmu Sabarimala Visit Proud Moment Says Devaswom Board

  • President Murmu will arrive by helicopter and proceed to Sannidhanam for evening darshan
  • Review meeting underway under Chief Secretary leadership for visit arrangements
  • Sabarimala temple opens for Thula month puja from October 17 to 22
  • Kerala High Court orders SIT probe into alleged gold theft from temple
2 min read

Proud moment: Travancore Devaswom Board on President Murmu's upcoming visit to Sabarimala temple

President Droupadi Murmu to visit Sabarimala temple, marking first presidential visit in years. Devaswom Board calls it proud moment amid gold theft investigation.

"We feel proud that the President of India is visiting Sabarimala after many years - PS Prashanth"

Thiruvananthapuram, October 8

Travancore Devaswom Board President PS Prashanth on Wednesday said the upcoming visit of President Droupadi Murmu to the Sabarimala temple is a "proud moment", adding that necessary arrangements are being made for the visit.

Speaking to ANI, Prashanth said, "We feel proud that the President of India is visiting Sabarimala after many years. According to the current schedule, the President will arrive at Nilakkal by helicopter and then proceed to Sannidhanam by road for evening darshan. The return to Thiruvananthapuram is planned for the same day."

The Devaswom president said that a review meeting is being held under the leadership of the Chief Secretary.

"These details have been received from the President's protocol team. A review meeting is being held under the leadership of the Chief Secretary, and further directions will be issued based on that," he added.

The President, during her two-day visit to the state, will visit and attend various programmes in Kottayam as well.

The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple will open for Thula month (Malayalam month of Thulam) puja on October 17

The doors are set to close on October 22 and will reopen again in November for Sree Chithira Attathirunnal.

Meanwhile, in the ongoing Sabrimala gold plating controversy, Kerala Minister V Sivankutty stated that the Devaswom Board was an autonomous institution and its activities were conducted under the supervision of the High Court.

Sivankutty said that strict action would be taken against anyone held responsible.

On Monday, the Kerala High Court ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged theft of gold from Sabarimala temple, while also directing that the investigation be confidential and no information be leaked.

The investigation will be led by former Superintendent of Police S Sasidharan, and overseen by Crime Branch chief Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) H Venkatesh. The team will consist of three inspectors, including cyber experts.

The court's order pertained to 2019, when the gold-lined copper plates were taken down by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). The issue intensified when Unnikrishnan Potti claimed that two gold-plated panels donated to the temple in 2019 were missing from the strongroom, just ahead of the TDB-sponsored Global Ayyappa Sangamam event. Recently, the IDB vigilance had recovered the "missing" items, but it was alleged that around 5 kg of weight was lost from the plates.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
While I appreciate the President's visit, I'm deeply concerned about the gold plating controversy. How can such things happen in our holiest temples? The SIT investigation must bring out the truth and punish the guilty severely.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Sabarimala last year, the spiritual atmosphere is incredible. Hope the President's visit helps highlight the temple's significance beyond Kerala. The arrangements sound well-planned with helicopter and road transport.
A
Arjun K
The timing is perfect with Thula month puja starting soon. But the gold theft issue is really disturbing. Temple authorities need to be more accountable. Hope the President's visit brings positive changes in temple administration.
N
Nisha Z
Wonderful news! 🇮🇳 Having our President visit Sabarimala shows the unity in our diversity. The temple holds special significance for millions of devotees across India. Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while the President's visit is significant, I hope the focus remains on improving temple management and security. The gold controversy shows systemic issues that need addressing more than ceremonial visits.
K
Kavya N
As a Malayali living outside Kerala, this makes me so proud! 😊 President Murmu's visit to Sabarimala during Thula month is truly special

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50