New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple in Kerala on Monday, becoming the first sitting President of India to offer prayers at this revered hill shrine.
The historic visit marks a major milestone for the temple, one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in the country.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the governing body that manages the temple, confirmed the President’s visit, calling it a momentous occasion.
President Murmu’s visit is part of a two-day tour of Kerala. On the morning
of May 19, she is expected to reach the Nilakkal helipad and travel to the Pampa base camp. From there, she may either trek the 4.25 km uphill route to the temple like traditional devotees or take a vehicle via the steep emergency access road.
The final travel arrangement will be determined by the Special Protection Group (SPG), which is overseeing her security.
The temple, which opened on May 14 for the monthly rituals associated with the Malayalam month of Edavam, will conclude these observances around the time of her visit.