President Droupadi Murmu made history on October 22, 2025, becoming the first woman President of India to offer prayers at the revered Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple in Kerala. Her pilgrimage marks a significant moment for the ancient hill shrine, which has long been at the center of discussions regarding women's entry. The President meticulously followed all traditional rituals, reinforcing a message of faith and devotion at the sacred site.^{[1][2][3][4][5]} ### Sabarimala's Ancient Traditions Sabarimala Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, attracting millions of devotees annually. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is worshipped as a "Naishtika Brahmachari," or a perennial celibate deity.^[6][7][8] This celibate nature traditionally led to strict customs prohibiting women of menstruating age, typically between 10 and 50 years, from entering the temple.^[9][6][7][8] This age-old practice was upheld by the Kerala High Court in 1991, which legally barred women in this age group from the shrine.^[9][6][10] The temple's unique traditions require pilgrims to observe a rigorous 41-day "vratham" (fasting) of abstinence, vegetarianism, and prayer before undertaking the arduous trek to the shrine.^[11][5] Devotees often dress in black, symbolizing detachment from material things, a practice President Murmu also observed during her visit.^[1][2][11] The pilgrimage is seen as a journey of self-purification and spiritual awakening.^[11] ### Landmark Supreme Court Ruling The traditional restrictions on women's entry faced legal challenges, leading to a landmark Supreme Court of India judgment in September 2018. A five-judge Constitution bench, in a 4-1 majority decision, ruled that all Hindu pilgrims, regardless of gender, could enter the temple.^[9][8][10] The court stated that the ban violated the right to equality under Article 14 and the right to freedom of religion under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.^[9][8][10] Chief Justice Dipak Misra, who headed the bench, called the selective ban on women a form of "religious patriarchy" and not an "essential part" of Hinduism.^[8][10] Justice D.Y. Chandrachud further noted that the exclusion of menstruating women, based on notions of impurity, amounted to a form of untouchability, which the Constitution abolished.^[8] This verdict sparked widespread protests and intense debate across Kerala and the nation, with many devotees opposing the ruling and emphasizing the importance of preserving temple traditions.^[9][1][3][8] ### President Murmu's Pilgrimage Details President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Kerala on October 21 for a four-day official visit.^{[12][13][4][14][15]} On October 22, she traveled to Sabarimala, making her the second Indian President to visit the temple, following V.V. Giri's pilgrimage in the 1970s.^{[1][2][3][4][16][5]} Her visit as a woman and the head of state holds particular significance amidst the ongoing discourse on temple entry.^{[1][11][3][4]} President Murmu began her pilgrimage by arriving at Pamba, the base station for the hill shrine.^{[17][1][2][3][4]} Following tradition, she washed her feet in the Pampa river and offered prayers at nearby temples, including the Lord Ganapathi shrine.^{[1][2][11][3]} She wore a black saree, adhering to the traditional attire for Sabarimala pilgrims.^[1][2] At the Kettunira Mandapam, the chief priest of the Ganapathy temple, Vishnu Namboothiri, helped prepare her sacred bundle, known as the "irumudikkettu."^{[1][2][11][4]} This two-compartment offering bundle is essential for pilgrims ascending the 18 holy steps to the sanctum sanctorum.^[1][11][3] President Murmu carried this sacred bundle on her head, demonstrating her personal devotion.^[1][2][11] For her ascent to the "Sannidhanam" (the main temple complex), President Murmu used a special four-wheel-drive vehicle.^{[1][2][4][16][5]} This arrangement was made due to security protocols, bypassing the traditional 4.5-kilometer trek from Pamba.^{[1][2][16][5]} The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple, confirmed this special administrative decision did not violate any temple customs.^[16] Upon reaching Sannidhanam, President Murmu climbed the 18 holy steps to the sanctum.^[1][2][3][5] State Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and Travancore Devaswom Board President P.S. Prasanth received her.^{[1][2][3][4][5]} The temple tantri (head priest), Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru, welcomed her with a "poorna kumbha," a traditional ceremonial reception.^[1][2][3] President Murmu offered "darshan" to Lord Ayyappa and also visited the nearby shrines of Vavaraswamy and Malikappuram.^[1][4] ### Symbolism and Impact President Murmu's visit holds deep symbolic value. As a woman above the traditionally restricted age of 50, her pilgrimage adhered to the temple's age-old customs while also marking a significant moment for inclusivity.^{[1][2][11][3][4]} Her respectful adherence to every ritual, from carrying the irumudikkettu to climbing the sacred steps, underscored her personal faith and humility.^[1][2][11] Her visit is seen as a powerful testament to the unifying power of faith in India's diverse democracy.^[4] As the country's first female President from a tribal community, her presence at such a significant spiritual site blends ceremonial responsibilities with personal devotion.^[4] It reinforces the message that devotion transcends position and that faith can be a great equalizer.^[2][11][4] The historic pilgrimage highlights the balance between upholding ancient traditions and embracing modern constitutional values of equality. Her visit drew national attention, reigniting discussions on the cultural, spiritual, and ecological importance of Sabarimala. It stands as a powerful moment reflecting devotion and respect for tradition within the framework of contemporary India.^[11][3]

AI Insights Hub