New Delhi: In a groundbreaking move, President Droupadi Murmu is set to become the first sitting President of India to offer prayers at the iconic Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple in Kerala on May 19. This momentous visit is set to make history, with the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple, confirming her visit as a landmark event for both the temple and the nation.
The President’s visit is part of a two-day trip to Kerala, beginning on May 18. During her visit, she is scheduled to attend a private function in Kottayam district before heading to the Nilakkal helipad the following morning. From there, she will make her way to the Pampa base camp — the entry point for pilgrims traveling to the hilltop shrine. The President’s mode of travel to the temple will depend on the security arrangements made by the Special Protection Group (SPG), which is tasked with overseeing her safety. She will either trek the traditional 4.25-km uphill path or take a steep emergency road to reach the temple.
“This is the first time a sitting President has planned a visit to the Sabarimala shrine. The SPG will decide whether she will trek or be driven up the hill. We will follow their instructions,” said PS Prasanth, president of the Travancore Devaswom Board.
The TDB has been preparing for this historic visit for weeks. Although the official programme is yet to be confirmed, Prasanth revealed that road repairs and construction work are already underway in anticipation of the President’s arrival. “The visit has been in the works for two to three weeks. Now that it’s certain, we’ve started urgent preparations. Once the official confirmation comes through, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will convene a stock-taking meeting,” he added.
