THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : The President will travel from Pampa to Sannidhanam in a special four-wheel-drive Force Gurkha, a decision taken considering her health and security requirements in the hilly terrain. According to sources, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and the Kerala Police have stepped up preparations and security measures ahead of the high-profile visit.
TDB President P. S. Prasanth confirmed that arrangements at Nilakkal, Pampa, and Sannidhanam have been completed, ensuring that pilgrim entry remains unaffected until October 21. “Regular darshan will continue even on the day of the President’s visit,” he said, adding that Special Protection Group (SPG) protocols will be in force.
President Murmu will arrive at Thiruvananthapuram airport on Tuesday evening and fly to Nilakkal by helicopter the next morning, where she is expected to land around 10.20 a.m. From there, she will proceed to Pampa by road and then travel to Sannidhanam in a convoy comprising five four-wheel-drive vehicles and an ambulance.
She is scheduled to have darshan at the temple between 11.55 a.m. and 12.25 p.m. before returning to Thiruvananthapuram by evening. TDB officials said standard temple protocols for dignitaries will be followed, including carrying the traditional Irumudikkettu, wearing a black dress, and possibly taking a holy dip in the Pampa.
Security arrangements have been intensified, with barricades and safety ropes installed along Swami Ayyappan Road. A trial run of the convoy movement was successfully held recently, and final rehearsals are underway at Nilakkal, Pampa, and Sannidhanam. Authorities have also instructed the removal of unauthorized persons staying at Sannidhanam as part of the security protocol.
President Murmu’s visit marks the first time since 1973 that a sitting President will reach the Sabarimala temple. The last head of state to visit, President V. V. Giri, had travelled to Sannidhanam using a dolly service, a practice first introduced for his journey.
In a landmark event, President Murmu will visit Sabarimala, traveling to Sannidhanam by vehicle due to health and security considerations. The Travancore Devaswom Board and Kerala Police have ensured that pilgrim activities remain unaffected. The visit includes traditional temple protocols and heightened security, marking the first presidential visit since 1973.