President Droupadi Murmu Makes History with First-Ever Sabarimala Darshan by a Woman

Historic Visit to Sabarimala

In an emotional blend of tradition, faith, and social transformation, President Droupadi Murmu made history on Wednesday by becoming the first woman to offer darshan at Kerala’s Sabarimala Temple. Her serene ascent to the hilltop shrine of Lord Ayyappa—symbolizing eternal celibacy—reflects the subtle interplay between age-old customs and modern reforms following last year’s Supreme Court ruling that ended entry bans for women of menstruating age.

Ceremonial Beginnings at Pamba

President Murmu began her pilgrimage at the Pamba base camp around 11 am, amid tight security that briefly restricted general pilgrim entry. Dressed in a simple black saree, she immersed her feet in the Pamba River, paying obeisance at the nearby Ganapati Temple. She received the sacred ‘Kettanira’ and the ‘Irumudikettu’ (holy bag of offerings) from chief priest Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru, assisted by her son-in-law Ghanesh Chandra Hombrom and officials.

Climbing the Holy Steps

A special vehicle ferried her along the 4.5 km Swamy Ayyappan Road, believed to be the first vehicular ascent for a sitting President. At Sannidhanam, she was welcomed traditionally by the priest and Kerala Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan. Balancing the Irumudi on her head, she climbed the 18 sacred steps and offered prayers through the returning ritual aarti, followed by a visit to Malikapuram Temple and a simple lunch at the TDB guest house.

Reactions and Significance

BJP MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar praised the visit on X (formerly Twitter), calling it an example of dignified devotion:
“She didn’t defame, she didn’t offend anyone’s feelings—she only respected those with her head held high. The 18 steps, once a site of protest, now witness the grace of devotion.”

While some traditionalists continue to debate, the visit is seen as a gesture of bridging divides, demonstrating that real faith moves with humility even amid turbulence.

A Symbolic Message

Despite a minor chopper delay at Pramadam helipad, her visit proceeded smoothly, sending a message of unity across generations and genders on India’s spiritual canvas. The historic darshan cements President Murmu’s role not just as a political leader but as a symbol of devotion and social harmony in contemporary India.