President Droupadi Murmu’s Historic Visit to Sabarimala Temple: A Milestone for Devotion and Tradition

Thiruvananthapuram, October 22, 2025 – In a landmark moment for India’s spiritual and cultural history, President Droupadi Murmu became the first sitting President and the first woman head of state to offer prayers at the revered Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple in Kerala today. The visit, part of her four-day official tour of the state, marks only the second time a President has visited the hill shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, following former President V.V. Giri. The historic darshan took place on the concluding day of the Thulam monthly puja, drawing widespread attention for its spiritual and symbolic significance.

A Warm Welcome to Kerala

President Murmu arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on the evening of October 21, 2025, via a special Indian Air Force aircraft. She was warmly received at the airport by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister George Kurian, Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, and other senior officials. After her arrival, she proceeded to Raj Bhavan for an overnight stay, setting the stage for her much-anticipated visit to Sabarimala.

Journey to the Hill Shrine

The President’s journey to Sabarimala began early on October 22, with a departure from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport by IAF helicopter around 9:35 AM. However, adverse weather conditions necessitated a last-minute change in plans. Instead of landing at the planned Nilackal base camp, the helicopter touched down safely at a newly constructed helipad at Pramadam Indoor Stadium near Pathanamthitta around 9:05 AM.

A minor incident occurred post-landing when the helicopter’s tyres sank slightly into the soft, freshly laid concrete of the helipad, causing it to get stuck. The helipad had been completed just hours earlier, and the mishap was swiftly addressed by police and fire and rescue personnel who freed the aircraft. The incident did not disrupt the President’s schedule, and she continued her journey by road in a convoy to Pamba, the gateway to the Sabarimala shrine, accompanied by Minister Vasavan, local MP Anto Antony, legislators, and senior officials.

Devotional Observance at Sabarimala

Upon reaching Pamba, President Murmu adhered to traditional rituals by washing her feet in the sacred Pamba River. She then visited the Pampa Ganapathy Temple to prepare and tie the Irumudi Kettu, the sacred bundle of offerings carried by Ayyappa devotees. Eschewing the traditional 4-km trekking path, she was ferried to Sannidhanam, the temple’s sanctum sanctorum, via the Swami Ayyappan Road in a special four-wheel-drive Gurkha vehicle, accompanied by a convoy of five vehicles and an ambulance for security.

Arriving at the temple around 11:50 AM, President Murmu was warmly welcomed at the Kodimaram Chuvadu (flag post area) by the chief priest, Tantri Kantar Mahesh Mohanar, and Travancore Devaswom Board officials. She participated in the traditional Poornakumbham ritual before ascending the sacred 18 steps to the sanctum, carrying the Irumudi Kettu. Inside, she offered prayers and performed the aarti to Lord Ayyappa, fulfilling her spiritual purpose with grace and devotion.

After her darshan, the President took a brief rest and had lunch at the Devaswom Guest House. In a gesture of honor, the Travancore Devaswom Board presented her with a intricately carved idol of Lord Ayyappa, crafted from kumbil wood. She departed Sannidhanam around 3:00 PM, returning to Pamba by road and then proceeding to a helipad (adjusted due to the earlier change) for her return flight to Thiruvananthapuram, arriving around 4:20 PM.

Stringent Security Measures

The visit was conducted under stringent security protocols led by the National Security Guard, Special Protection Group, Kerala Police, and Travancore Devaswom Board. To ensure safety and crowd management, pilgrim access was restricted beyond Nilackal until the President’s departure, though the temple remained open to devotees. The meticulous arrangements underscored the significance of the visit while prioritizing the safety of all involved.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

President Murmu’s visit carries profound significance, aligning with the temple’s traditions and its spiritual ethos. As a woman over 50, she complied with the temple’s customary age restrictions for female devotees, setting a powerful example of devotion and adherence to tradition. Originally scheduled for May 2025, the visit was postponed due to operational constraints, making this October pilgrimage a much-awaited event.

The visit also occurred against the backdrop of a controversy surrounding the alleged theft of gold plates from the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. A Special Investigation Team, appointed by the Kerala High Court, is probing the incident, with one arrest made and nine others named in FIRs. Despite this, the President’s visit proceeded seamlessly, reinforcing the temple’s sanctity and its enduring appeal to devotees.

A Packed Itinerary

The Sabarimala visit was the highlight of the second day of President Murmu’s Kerala tour. Her remaining schedule includes:

• October 22 (Evening): Attending a special dinner hosted by Governor Arlekar at a luxurious hotel in Thiruvananthapuram.
• October 23: Unveiling a bust of former President K.R. Narayanan at Raj Bhavan (10:30 AM); attending the Mahasamadhi Centenary of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala as Chief Guest (12:50 PM); inaugurating the valedictory function of St. Thomas College’s Platinum Jubilee in Pala (4:15 PM); and staying overnight at a resort in Kumarakom.
• October 24: Inaugurating the Centenary Celebrations of St. Teresa’s College in Ernakulam/Kochi; having lunch at Bolgatty Palace; and departing from Kochi Naval Base via IAF flight from Nedumbassery International Airport around 4:05 PM to return to New Delhi.

A Moment of Unity and Reverence

President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Sabarimala is a testament to the unifying power of faith and tradition. As the first woman President to pray at this sacred site, she has etched her name in history, inspiring millions with her devotion and grace. The successful execution of this visit, despite logistical challenges, reflects the collaborative efforts of the state and central authorities to honor both tradition and progress.

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