Two Kerala devotees complete 8,000 km, 223-day pilgrimage on foot to Sabarimala for world peace

Sanathkumar Nayak and Sampathkumar Shetty, residents of Ramdas Nagar in Kasaragod, Kerala, completed an 8,000-kilometre pilgrimage to the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala, covering a span of 223 days. The journey began on May 26, 2024, when they traveled by train from Kerala to Badrinath, located in Uttarakhand, in the northern part of India. From Badrinath, they prepared their irumudi kattu—a traditional bundle of offerings brought by devotees to Sabarimala—and began their walk towards the Sabarimala shrine on June 3, 2024.

During their pilgrimage, Nayak and Shetty passed through multiple religious and historical centers, including Ayodhya, Ujjain, Dwarka, Puri, Jagannath, Rameshwaram, Achankovil, and Erumeli. They visited important temples along the route, including those established by Shankaracharya, and continued their spiritual journey by following the prescribed rituals and customs. The duo stayed in temples, ate local food, or cooked their own meals as they progressed along their route.

The pilgrims covered diverse landscapes, including hills, plains, and coastal areas, as they made their way from north to south India. Their route took them through various climates and terrains, showcasing their perseverance and endurance throughout the long journey. In total, they walked over 8,000 kilometres, continuously observing religious practices and seeking blessings at every major pilgrimage site.

On January 11, Sanathkumar Nayak and Sampathkumar Shetty reached Sabarimala, where they were welcomed by special officer Praveen and assistant special officer Gopakumar. They were offered ‘chukku vellam,’ a traditional drink made from dried ginger, in recognition of their accomplishment. The completion of this arduous journey by foot, which included visiting numerous temples and paying homage at sacred sites, marked the fulfillment of their pilgrimage to Sabarimala.