President Droupadi Murmu became the first woman President of India to offer prayers at the iconic Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple, captivating devotees with her heartfelt participation in the sacred Irumudikettu ritual at Pampa on Wednesday. Her visit, steeped in devotion and tradition, marked a significant milestone for the temple, known for its deep-rooted customs and millions of annual pilgrims. Arriving at Pampa around 11 a.m. in a heavily secured motorcade, President Murmu began her pilgrimage by symbolically washing her feet in the serene Pampa River, a customary act for Ayyappa devotees. She then offered prayers at the nearby Ganapathi temple, seeking blessings before the main ritual.

Under the meticulous supervision of chief priest Vishnu Namboothiri, the Irumudikettu—the sacred twin bundle carried on the head by devotees, containing offerings like ghee-filled coconuts—was prepared and tied for the President and her entourage. Accompanying her were Aide-de-Camp Saurabh S. Nair, Personal Security Officer Vinay Mathur, and son-in-law Ganesh Chandra Hombrom, all of whom joined in the revered ritual. The group then ascended to the Sannidhanam, the temple’s sanctum, in a special convoy under stringent security arrangements to offer darshan to Lord Ayyappa.

The President’s day began earlier at 8:40 a.m. with her arrival by special helicopter at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium Ground in Pramadom. A distinguished reception awaited her, led by Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, MP Anto Antony, MLAs K.U. Jineesh Kumar and Pramod Narayanan, District Collector S. Prem Krishnan, and District Police Chief R. Anand. The warm welcome reflected the significance of her visit, which resonated deeply with locals and devotees alike. As she proceeded to the temple, crowds gathered along the route, eager to catch a glimpse of the historic moment.

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President Murmu’s visit carries profound cultural weight, given Sabarimala’s traditional practices and its significance as a major pilgrimage site. Her participation in the Irumudikettu ritual, typically undertaken by male devotees after a 41-day vow of austerity, underscores her respect for the temple’s customs while symbolizing inclusivity. Temple authorities ensured seamless arrangements, with additional security and logistical support to accommodate the presidential entourage amidst the ongoing pilgrimage season.

The visit has sparked widespread admiration, with devotees and locals hailing it as a powerful gesture of unity and devotion. “Seeing the President perform the rituals with such reverence was inspiring,” said a local shopkeeper near Pampa. Social media buzzed with praise, with many noting the historic nature of a woman President gracing the hill shrine. As President Murmu concluded her darshan and departed, her visit left an indelible mark on Sabarimala’s legacy, blending spiritual reverence with a milestone for gender representation in India’s cultural narrative.

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