President Murmu worships at Sabarimala, marks first visit to temple
President Droupadi Murmu visited the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa temple on Wednesday, marking the second day of her four-day Kerala tour. She offered prayers at the hill shrine before noon and spent nearly three hours at the Sannidhanam. Her son-in-law, Ganesh Chandra Hembram, and her security team joined her during the visit.
This visit made President Murmu the first Head of State to visit the temple after former President V.V. Giri’s trip in 1973.
Journey to the Shrine
Earlier in the morning, an Indian Air Force helicopter carrying the President landed at a newly constructed helipad in Pramadom around 9 a.m. The chopper arrived from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital.
During landing, the helicopter’s tyres sank into the freshly laid concrete due to the soft surface. Security and fire personnel quickly moved the aircraft out of the spot, allowing the President to continue her journey without delay. Officials said the helipad was built overnight after bad weather affected Nilackal, the original landing site.
Heavy rain loomed over Pathanamthitta, but the President’s schedule continued as planned.
Rituals and Traditions
At Pampa, the base camp for the Sabarimala pilgrimage, President Murmu followed temple traditions. She dipped her feet in the river instead of taking a ceremonial bath because of strong currents.
She then visited the Pampa Ganapathy temple, where the chief priest, Vishnu Namboothiri, guided her in tying the irumudikettu — a sacred two-compartment bundle of offerings carried by devotees to the Ayyappa shrine. The kit includes camphor, turmeric, honey, coconut, betel leaves, and coins.
After completing the rituals, she began her ascent to the Sabarimala temple. The President traveled in a convoy of six Gurkha four-wheel drives, taking the route alongside the Swamy Ayyappan temple instead of walking up the hill.
At the Hill Shrine
At the temple, Kerala Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan received the President. She climbed the Pathinettampadi — the sacred 18 steps — and offered prayers to Lord Ayyappa. Chief priest Kandaru Mahesh Mohanaru led the rituals at the Sannidhanam.
After the temple visit, President Murmu rested at the Devaswom Guest House under tight security. She later visited the Vavar mosque at Erumely, which holds deep ties with the Sabarimala pilgrimage, symbolizing communal harmony.
Return and Next Engagements
By late afternoon, the President departed for Thiruvananthapuram from the Pramadom helipad. Her next two days in Kerala include a series of public engagements.
On Thursday, she will unveil a bust of former President K.R. Narayanan at the Raj Bhavan. She will also inaugurate the mahasamadhi centenary of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru in Varkala. Later, she will attend the centenary celebrations of St. Teresa’s College in Ernakulam.
As heavy rain continued in parts of Kerala, security teams remained on alert throughout the President’s visit. Despite the weather, her temple visit drew attention from devotees and officials alike, marking a significant spiritual and cultural moment in her Kerala tour.
