SABARIMALA: RSS leader Valsan Thilankeri has said he had by mistake violated the tradition by passing through the 18 steps without Irumudikettu. “I have done the atonement for my mistake and the rituals for that were prescribed by Sabarimala Thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru,” he said during a channel talk in a TV on Tuesday.

Earlier, Thillankeri had claimed that he had not violated any tradition and he just looked down from the 18th step after there was a commotion at the foot of the stairs. He added that by examining the CCTV visuals, one would be able to know the real facts.

Some visuals also appeared that showed Valsan Thillankeri standing at the 18th step. Soon after this Travancore Devaswom board said that the allegation will be examined.

“Standing at the 18th step with our back facing towards the deity is also considered a breach of tradition. Those who clamour for preserving traditions themselves are breaching,” Devaswom board clarified.

The protestors had taken the stand that those arrive without Irumudi will not be allowed to enter Sannidhanam through the 18 steps and they will be allowed only through the alternative path. A few aged women who reached Sannidhanam without Irumeudi were let in only through this path.

The high court also observed the other day that passing through the 18 steps without Irumudi would amount to breach of tradition.