Thiruvananthapuram: President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple today for a historic darshan. The pilgrimage is a highlight of her official visit to Kerala, which will also see her attending an official dinner hosted by the state Governor.
The President will depart from Raj Bhavan at 9:10 AM by helicopter. However, due to adverse weather conditions, including rain, a last-minute change has been made to her travel arrangements. Instead of landing at the previously decided Nilakkal helipad, the helicopter will now land at the Pramadom Indoor Stadium helipad. From Pramadom, the President will travel by road to Pamba.
From Pamba, the President will be taken to the Sannidhanam (main temple complex) in a special vehicle. Following the tradition of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, she will carry the sacred ‘Irumudikkettu’ (a bundle containing sacred offerings) and ascend the holy 18 steps.
The President is expected to arrive at the Sannidhanam at 11:50 AM, where she will be accorded a ‘Poornakumbham’ reception by the Tantri (chief priest), Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru, at the base of the flag mast. After completing the darshan around 12:20 PM, she will take a short rest at the Sannidhanam Guest House.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is set to present the President with a special memento: an idol of Lord Ayyappa carved from a piece of the ‘Kumbal’ wood.
On her return, the President will arrive back in Thiruvananthapuram late in the evening and attend a dinner reception hosted by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Hotel Hyatt Regency. The President is scheduled to conclude her four-day Kerala visit and return to Delhi on October 24.
Pilgrim Restrictions Imposed
In light of the high-profile visit and stringent security protocols, restrictions on darshan have been imposed at Sabarimala. Other pilgrims will not be allowed beyond Nilakkal until the President has completed her darshan and departed from the hill shrine. Authorities have requested the cooperation of devotees to ensure the smooth conduct of the President’s pilgrimage.
