President Droupadi Murmu Creates History at Sabarimala
By: Gitanjali Thorat | PR Desk
Kerala: President Droupadi Murmu created history on Wednesday as she became the first woman head of state to offer prayers at the revered Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala. The visit marked a defining moment for both the temple’s tradition and the nation’s evolving views on gender equality in places of worship.
Historic Visit
President Murmu is the second Indian President to visit Sabarimala after V.V. Giri, who made the journey in the 1970s. Her visit comes against the backdrop of the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that lifted the traditional ban on women of menstruating age (10–50 years) entering the temple — a verdict that had sparked nationwide debate and protests.
Arriving at Pamba base camp around 11 a.m., the President performed all rituals followed by devotees. She washed her feet in the Pampa River, offered prayers at the Ganapathy temple, and then began her trek to the main shrine carrying the sacred ‘irumudikkettu’, a symbolic offering bundle.
Clad in traditional black attire, President Murmu climbed the 18 holy steps that lead to the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Ayyappa, completing the pilgrimage in full adherence to temple customs.
Traditional Welcome and Darshan
At the Sannidhanam (main temple complex), President Murmu was received by chief priest Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru with a ‘poorna kumbha’ welcome. She offered darshan and puja before Lord Ayyappa, praying for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of all citizens, according to a statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan.
After the ceremony, she also visited the nearby Malikappuram temple before returning to the Travancore Devaswom Board guesthouse for lunch.
Leaders Praise Symbolic Act
The visit drew national attention and appreciation across political lines. BJP MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar lauded the President’s devotion, saying,
“She is 67. She broke no rules, hurt no faith – she only honoured it.”
Observers called the visit a powerful message of unity between faith and inclusion, especially at a temple that once stood at the centre of India’s gender and religious debate.
Minor Glitch During Journey
The President’s helicopter experienced a brief issue after landing at the newly constructed helipad in Pramadam, Pathanamthitta, when its tyres sank slightly into the fresh concrete. The situation was quickly resolved, and President Murmu continued her journey to Pamba by road without delay.
Faith, Equality and Symbolism
President Droupadi Murmu’s pilgrimage to Sabarimala was more than a personal act of devotion. It represented a fusion of faith, reform, and national symbolism — a reflection of India’s ability to respect tradition while embracing equality.
By completing every ritual with humility and reverence, the President reaffirmed that progress and devotion can coexist in modern India, setting an example of inclusion wrapped in faith.
