President Murmu concludes Sabarimala visit, returns to Thiruvananthapuram
Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan was also present behind the President as she prayed to Lord Ayyappa.
Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan was also present behind the President as she prayed to Lord Ayyappa.
Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan was also present behind the President as she prayed to Lord Ayyappa.
Thiruvananthapuram: President Droupadi Murmu visited the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple on Wednesday as part of her four-day visit to the state. After the visit, she returned to Thiruvananthapuram, where the Governor hosted a dinner in her honour.
The President arrived at Pampa, where she filled the Irumudi (sacred offering) before beginning her climb to Sabarimala. She reached Sannidhanam at 11.45 am. Along with the President, her bodyguards also climbed the hill carrying the Irumudikettu.
Upon reaching the base of the flagpole after ascending the steps, Thanthri (chief priest) Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru welcomed her with Purnakumbham (a pot filled with holy items). Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan was also present behind the President as she prayed to Lord Ayyappa.
After completing the darshan (pilgrimage), the President rested at the Devaswom Guest House until 3 pm before departing. The Devaswom Board presented her with a carved Ayyappan figure made of Kumbil wood as a token of appreciation.
On Thursday, the President will unveil the statue of former President K R Narayanan at Raj Bhavan at 10.30 am. She will then travel to Sivagiri to inaugurate the centenary celebrations of Sree Narayana Guru's Mahasamadhi. In the evening, she will preside over the closing ceremony of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations at St Thomas College, Pala, and will stay at a resort in Kumarakom.
On Friday, President Murmu will attend the centenary celebrations at St Teresa's College in Kochi, before departing for Delhi from Kochi International Airport at 4.15 pm.