Sabarimala’s daily pilgrim: Sreedharan Swami’s inspiring 25-year journey as a newspaper distributor

Sabarimala: Those who have visited Sabarimala know the challenges of climbing and descending the steep mountain. For 25 years, however, one man has undertaken the journey every day and now, at the age of 67, continues to do so.

Sreedharan, known locally as Swami, hails from Meenangadi in Wayanad and distributes newspapers around the Sabarimala Sannidhanam. He increases distribution during the Mandala and Makaravilakku seasons and continues even after the temple closes. Although newspapers are transported to Pampa by tractor, Sreedharan delivers them on foot, as carrying passengers is not permitted.

Sreedharan’s dedication stems from a life shaped by loss and spirituality. After his mother died in 1992, he became lonely and embarked on extensive pilgrimages. He walked from Wayanad to Mookambika, assisted priests in Kodachadri for over a year, and later travelled to Haridwar, completing the Chardham Yatra on foot over 86 consecutive days. He then visited India’s major temples, including all 12 Jyotirlingas, as well as Amarnath and the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal. He later meditated in silence at Chitramoola cave in Mookambika before arriving at Sabarimala in 2000.

Since then, Sreedharan has worked in shops, carried loads, and distributed newspapers. In 2012, he took up a newspaper agency. Each morning, the newspapers reach Pampa at 9 am, and Sreedharan walks for an hour and a half to reach Sannidhanam, distributing papers to shops and offices. During the Mandala season, distribution is more extensive. After the season, only the Mathrubhumi newspaper is delivered daily.

Sreedharan credits his daily routine for his good health, saying he has not experienced any major illness so far. While he shows signs of ageing, he continues to make the daily climbs and distribute newspapers.

Beyond newspaper delivery, Sreedharan Swami has completed more than 2,000 Shayana Pradakshina (circumambulations) at Sannidhanam and around 500 at Guruvayur. He also travels to Tirupati whenever he can.