Pilgrim Restrictions at Sabarimala Due to President Droupadi Murmu’s Visit
Pathanamthitta: Pilgrim darshan for the Thulam monthly puja at the renowned Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple has been significantly restricted in connection with the impending visit of President Droupadi Murmu. The Rashtrapati Bhavan informed the state government yesterday that the President is scheduled to arrive at the Sannidhanam (temple complex) at 3 PM on October 22nd.
The Devaswom Board and the police have jointly recommended to the Rashtrapati Bhavan that if President Murmu intends to perform the Neyyabhishekam ritual with the sacred Irumudikkettu, she should arrive before the Uchapooja (midday worship).
Due to security concerns, virtual queue bookings for pilgrims are currently permitted only for October 17th, when the temple is scheduled to open. As the temple will open in the evening on the 17th, only a limited number of devotees will be able to avail darshan on that day. Devaswom Board authorities have stated that virtual bookings for the 18th to 20th will be allowed once instructions are received from the police. However, police indications suggest that no bookings will be permitted on October 21st and 22nd. District Police Chief R. Anand visited Sabarimala yesterday to assess and review the security arrangements.
For the Thulam monthly puja, the portals of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple will open at 5 PM on October 17th. The pujas and rituals will continue until October 22nd. The drawing of lots to select the new Melsanthi (chief priest) for the upcoming year will take place on the morning of October 18th, following the Usha Pooja, first at the Sannidhanam and then at Malikappuram. Regular pujas, including Udayasthamana Puja, Padipuja, and Kalabhabhishekam, will be conducted daily during this period.