PATHANAMTHITTA: President Droupadi Murmu will travel to Sannidhanam (the main temple area in Sabarimala) in a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle via Swami Ayyappan Road on Wednesday. This makes her the first Head of State to reach Sannidhanam in a vehicle.
Sources say the choice to use a special Force Gurkha vehicle was made because of her health and security needs on the hilly road.
In 1973, then-President V V Giri reached Sannidhanam using the dolly service (a carrying chair service), which was actually started for his visit.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and police have ramped up preparations and security for the high-level visit. TDB President P S Prasanth confirmed that arrangements at Nilakkal, Pampa, and Sannidhanam are finished, and pilgrims can enter as usual until October 21. Regular prayers will continue even on the day of the President’s visit, though Special Protection Group (SPG) security rules will be in place.
The President, who is on a four-day visit to Kerala, will arrive at Thiruvananthapuram airport on Tuesday evening and will fly by helicopter to Nilakkal on Wednesday. She is expected to reach Nilakkal by 10:20 am. From there, she will go to Pampa by road and then travel to Sannidhanam.
Security Increased, Test Run Held
She will pray at the temple between 11:55 a.m. and 12:25 p.m. and return to Thiruvananthapuram in the evening. TDB sources said standard temple rules for VIPs will be followed, including carrying the Irumudikkettu (sacred bundle), wearing a black dress, and possibly taking a holy dip in the Pampa river.
The President will arrive at Sannidhanam in a group of five 4WD vehicles and an ambulance. Security has been tightened, and TDB officials said a test run of the vehicles was done recently.
Barriers and safety ropes have been set up on Swami Ayyappan Road. People staying at Sannidhanam without permission will be moved out as part of the security plan. Final security practice will be done at Nilakkal, Pampa, and Sannidhanam.
With input from TNIE
For more details: Navamalayalam.com
