Why in news?
President Droupadi Murmu made a historic pilgrimage to the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple on 22 October 2025. She became the first woman head of state to climb the sacred 18 steps and offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa, bringing renewed attention to the hilltop shrine.
Background
The Sabarimala temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district at an altitude of about 4,134 feet. According to legend, Ayyappa—also called Dharma Shasta—is the son of Shiva and Mohini (the female form of Vishnu). The temple lies within the Periyar Tiger Reserve and is surrounded by dense forests and mountains. Unlike many temples, Sabarimala welcomes devotees of all faiths.
Pilgrims typically observe a 41‑day period of austerity called vratham before undertaking the journey. They wear simple black or blue clothing, abstain from meat and alcohol, and practise celibacy. Devotees carry a sacred cloth bundle (irumudi) on their heads and climb the eighteen sacred steps leading to the sanctum. The shrine is open only during the Mandalam–Makaravilakku season (mid‑November to mid‑January), on select monthly days and during special festivals. An estimated 40–50 million pilgrims visit each year, making it one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world.
Architecture and spiritual significance
- The temple blends traditional Kerala and Dravidian architectural styles. Its sanctum sanctorum has a copper‑plated roof topped with four golden finials, flanked by two mandapams (halls) and a flagstaff.
- The shrine sits on a 40‑foot‑high plateau. The ascent through the 18 steps symbolises the journey through the senses toward self‑discipline and enlightenment.
- Nearby lies Vavaru Nada, a shrine dedicated to Vavar, a Muslim companion of Ayyappa, reflecting the temple’s message of religious harmony.
Controversy over women’s entry
For centuries, customs barred women between 10 and 50 years of age from entering the shrine, viewing them as of menstruating age. In September 2018, the Supreme Court of India ruled that this exclusion violated constitutional guarantees of equality and religious freedom. The verdict sparked protests and is currently under review by a larger bench. President Murmu’s visit underscores the ongoing conversation about gender, tradition and religious practice.
Conclusion
Sabarimala stands at the intersection of deep‑rooted devotion, cultural pluralism and evolving social norms. By opening its doors to all, it offers a message of unity while reminding pilgrims to practise discipline and humility. The President’s pilgrimage brings hope for greater inclusivity in India’s spiritual spaces.
Source: India Today · Sabarimala Temple