President Murmu to pray at Sabarimala temple

Thiruvananthapuram: President Droupadi Murmu is set to make history as the first sitting Indian President to pray at the renowned Sabarimala temple, confirmed P.S. Prasanth, the chief of the Travancore Devaswom Board, on Monday. This highly anticipated visit has been discussed for the past two weeks, and the official confirmation has now been given.

The details of her visit are still being finalised, with security arrangements being a primary concern. The Special Protection Group (SPG) will decide whether the President will trek from the base camp at Pampa, like other pilgrims, or be transported by road, which is typically reserved for emergency use, up the steep hill to the temple. According to Prasanth, the President’s schedule includes a private function in Kottayam on May 18, followed by her arrival at Nilakkal on May 19. From Nilakkal, she will travel by road towards Pampa base camp.

Discussions regarding the logistics of her journey are ongoing, with Prasanth noting that the decision about how President Murmu will ascend to the temple will depend on the SPG's evaluation of security needs. Preparations for the visit have already begun, and once official confirmation is received, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will hold a meeting to ensure everything is in place for the visit.

The Sabarimala temple, situated at 3,000 feet in the Western Ghats, is reached by a four-kilometre uphill trek from Pampa, located about 100 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram. Traditionally, women aged 10-50 are not permitted to enter the temple, which is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Pilgrims must undertake a 41-day penance before visiting, which involves strict adherence to vegetarianism, wearing a black dhoti or top, and carrying the ‘Irumudi’ offering—a prayer kit containing coconuts—necessary for the ritual ascent of the sacred 18 steps leading to the shrine.

Over the years, some of the temple's long-standing traditions have evolved. Though the temple once opened only from November to January, it now welcomes devotees for several days at the beginning of each Malayalam month.

With IANS inputs