Alathur DySP Sparks Controversy Over President Murmu’s Sabarimala Visit
A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) from Alathur has ignited a controversy by criticizing President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple through a WhatsApp status update. The status, posted by Alathur DySP R. Manoj Kumar, contained strong allegations, including claims that the President’s visit violated established rituals and disregarded High Court judgments.
The controversial post, which appeared on Tuesday night, was deleted approximately 20 minutes after it was published. DySP Manoj Kumar later clarified that a message he received via WhatsApp during a train journey was accidentally posted as his status.
President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Sabarimala carried significant historical weight. She is only the second President of India to visit the revered temple and holds the distinction of being the first female President to do so. The first presidential visit was made by V.V. Giri in 1973.
On Wednesday, President Murmu arrived at Pampa by road from the Pramadam helipad in Pathanamthitta at 11 AM. Adhering to traditional customs, she donned black attire and washed her feet in the Pampa river before proceeding to the Pampa Ganapathy Temple, where she performed the ‘Kettunira’ ritual, a preparation for her ascent to the holy hill. Traveling in a special vehicle, she reached Sabarimala and ascended the ‘Pathinettam Padi’ (18 sacred steps) at 12 PM.
Upon her arrival at the Sannidhanam (sanctum sanctorum), President Murmu was traditionally welcomed with a ‘Poornakumbham’ by the temple’s chief priest (Tantri), Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru. The President, accompanied by officials and a relative, carried the ‘Irumudikettu’ (a sacred bundle containing offerings) while ascending the 18 steps.
After offering prayers to Lord Ayyappa, receiving the ‘Prasadam’ (sacred offering), and performing various rituals, the President also paid respects to the sub-deities within the temple complex. She spent approximately one hour within the temple precincts at Sannidhanam before returning to Pampa.