SABARIMALA: Thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru has said climbing the 18 steps to Sabarimala Sannidhanam without ‘Irumudi kettu’ is violation of tradition. As per the tradition in Sabarimala only the temple thantri, priests and Pandalam royal family members can go up the stairs without ‘Irumudi kettu’.

“Any breach of the tradition will necessitate atonement rituals. But we can’t say now the kind of Poojas or rituals to be conducted,” he said.

On Tuesday, the first allegation raised was that RSS leader Valsan Thillankery had climbed down 18 steps without Irumudi. The Travancore Devaswom Board had informed that the allegation will be probed. Some photos also surfaced that showed Thillankery standing atop the steps.

Soon after this, a private TV channel flashed footages of Devaswom board member K P Shankardas climbing up and down the steps without Irumudikettu.