President's picture praying at Malikapuram Temple sparks criticism, removed from X

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Rashtrapati Bhavan has removed a photo of President Droupadi Murmu praying at Malikappuram Temple in Sabarimala from social media platform X, following widespread criticism. The photo had shown the inside of the sanctum sanctorum (sreekovil) and the idol, which led to widespread criticism. Following a flood of negative comments under the post, the picture was taken down.

Earlier in the day, at around 11:45 a.m., the President was received at the temple’s flagpole area by Tantri Kaneararu Mahesh Mohanaru with a poornakumbha welcome. She was then escorted to the Balikkalpura and offered prayers to Lord Ayyappa at 11:47 a.m. The President stood in front of the sanctum for about ten minutes, praying with devotion and making offerings before bowing again to the deity. She then prayed at the sub-shrine of Lord Ganesha.

Around noon, the President walked via the flyover to the Malikappuram Devi Temple, where she also offered prayers. She stopped at the Manimandapam and enquired about its legend. Later, she visited the Nagaraja Temple and the Navagraha Temple. Afterwards, she went to the Vavar Nada and received the blessings of Vavar Swamy’s representative.

Without taking rest at the Sannidhanam, the President returned to Pamba. She had lunch at the guest house and then left for Pramadam by car at around 2:30 p.m. From there, at about 4:15 p.m., she took a helicopter back to Thiruvananthapuram.