Sabarimala: President Droupadi Murmu visited the Sabarimala shrine on Wednesday, observing the pilgrimage rituals with a streamlined security detail.

During her visit, only one armed security personnel from the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) unit was stationed above the Pathinettampadi, or 18 holy steps. The officer carried a pistol and maintained a prescribed distance while accompanying the President, who moved through the shrine without interruption.

After visiting the Malikappuram and Vavarunada areas, President Murmu arrived at the Pampa Maramath Complex. Though she was scheduled to depart at 2 p.m., her return was delayed by about 20 minutes due to a fallen tree near the KSRTC stand at Pampa. The President had paused for a meal at the Pampa base but did not take additional rest, continuing her schedule as planned.

President Murmu participated in the rituals fully aware of the procedures. When the irumudikkettu were filled at the Pampa Ganapathy temple, she followed the process seamlessly. As the Chief Priest, Melshanthi Vishnu Namboothiri, handed over a coconut filled with ghee, the President understood that it was to be filled into the pots. She was assisted by Melshanthi Shankaran Namboothiri and three aides as she moved up the steps.

The President had been briefed on the rituals beforehand by her aide-de-camp, Saorabh S Nair, a local from Malayinkeezh.