PATHANAMTHITTA: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday made a historic pilgrimage to the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, becoming the first sitting President of India to offer prayers at the revered hill shrine.
Adhering strictly to the temple’s traditional rituals, the President climbed the ‘Pathinettampadi’ (the 18 sacred steps) carrying the ‘Irumudikkettu’—the traditional sacred bundle of offerings essential for ascending the steps and having the special ‘darshan’ of Lord Ayyappa.
The President, who arrived at the Sannidhanam (sanctum sanctorum) around 11:45 AM, was received with the customary ‘Poornakumbham’ honour by the temple Tantri (Chief Priest) Kandararu Mahesh Mohanan.
Earlier, the ‘Irumudikkettu’ was prepared for her at the Pampa Ganapathy Temple, following which she travelled to the hilltop in a special four-wheel-drive vehicle via the Swami Ayyappan Road, an emergency route, due to security and logistical constraints.
After completing the ascent of the 18 steps, the President offered prayers and paid her respects to Lord Ayyappa, marking a significant moment in the history of the centuries-old pilgrimage centre. Elaborate security and crowd-management arrangements were in place for the VVIP visit. The President’s visit is part of her four-day official tour of Kerala.
President Droupadi Murmu Creates History at Sabarimala; Climbs 18 Holy Steps with Irumudikkettu.
