Amitabh Bachchan’s 1980s Visit to Sabarimala: A Story of Faith, Gratitude and Devotion
The spiritual journey of legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, Popularly known as “Big B,” to the sacred Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple remains one of the most inspiring examples of devotion undertaken by an Indian film celebrity. His pilgrimage was not merely religious but deeply connected to gratitude and faith following a life-threatening phase in his career.
The Accident That Changed Everything
In 1982, while shooting for the film Coolie, Amitabh Bachchan suffered a severe accident that shocked the entire nation. Fans across India prayed for his recovery, and many well-wishers turned to faith during this difficult period.
Among them was noted filmmaker S. Ramanathan, who had earlier directed Bachchan in Bombay to Goa. A devoted follower of Lord Ayyappa, Ramanathan prayed that if the actor recovered, he would personally take him on a pilgrimage to Sabarimala.
After regaining his health, Amitabh Bachchan honoured this spiritual promise without hesitation.
Jayaprakash, owner of Prakash Studio near the Old Bus Stand in Kasaragod, first picked up a camera in 1975 and went on to document several memorable moments through his lens.
Recollecting his rare photographic encounter with Amitabh Bachchan during the actor’s Sabarimala pilgrimage, Jayaprakash recalls that the moment occurred in the second week of January 1984. He himself was undertaking the pilgrimage at the time. After completing his darshan at the sacred Sabarimala Temple, Jayaprakash had already descended to Pampa River at the foothills.
“When I heard devotees talking about Bachchan’s trek up the hill, I immediately grabbed my camera, which I always carry with me, and rushed after him,” he recalls. “After climbing a couple of kilometres, I finally caught up with the actor, clicked a few photographs, and then returned.”
Jayaprakash says that although some newspapers later published the photographs, he simply preserved the negatives along with his vast personal collection. “It never occurred to me to send or personally hand over the photographs to Bachchan,” he says. Even today, he hopes to present the actor with a copy of one special photograph showing him carrying the irumudi kettu — the traditional double-chambered travel pouch carried by Lord Ayyappa devotees during the pilgrimage.
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| Bollywood's legendary actor, Amitabh Bachchan trekking the Sabarimala hill in the year 1984 with 'irumudikkettu' on his head. Photo: K Jayaprakash |
Preparations in Chennai
Before beginning the pilgrimage, Bachchan travelled to Chennai, where he actively participated in Ayyappa pujas conducted at Ramanathan’s residence in T Nagar. According to producer Shiva Prasadh, the superstar followed devotional practices with sincerity and humility, impressing fellow devotees with his simplicity despite his immense fame.
The Sacred Trek to Sabarimala
Following traditional customs observed by Ayyappa devotees, Amitabh Bachchan undertook the demanding pilgrimage barefoot. Guided by veteran Tamil actor and Maha Guruswamy M. N. Nambiar, he trekked nearly seven kilometres through the forested hill path leading to the shrine.
Witnesses recalled how the actor blended seamlessly among ordinary pilgrims, displaying discipline, devotion, and respect for the sacred traditions of the temple.
A Bond Beyond Cinema
Bachchan’s association with South Indian cinema also created memorable personal connections. Ramanathan later arranged a meeting between Bachchan and Kannada cinema legend Dr. Rajkumar at the historic Bangalore Palace.
During this visit, Bachchan met a young Puneeth Rajkumar, then only five years old and already a great admirer of the Bollywood star. Bachchan warmly interacted with the child, carried him around, and posed for photographs — a meeting Puneeth fondly remembered throughout his life.
Faith Beyond Stardom
Amitabh Bachchan’s Sabarimala pilgrimage highlighted a deeply spiritual side of the actor. Despite being one of India’s biggest cinematic icons, he undertook the journey like any ordinary devotee, observing discipline and humility.
His visit continues to be remembered as a powerful reminder that faith transcends fame, status, and profession — uniting people through devotion and gratitude.