Pathanamthitta: The chief priest of the Sabarimala temple has closed the doors of the shrine for performing Suddhikalasam (purification rites) after it was confirmed that two women entered the temple through the back gate and had darshan of Lord Ayyappa.

The devotees and staff have been asked to move away from the Sannidhanam to perform Suddhikalasam in the temple. The chief priest, Kandararu Rajeevaru closed the temple doors according to the instruction of the Thantri.

Also read: Sabarimala: Police send back two women due to security concerns

The two women who entered the shrine on Wednesday, were identified as Bindu from Kozhikode and Kanakadurga from Malappuram.

Earlier, on December 24, Bindu and Kanakadurga attempted to visit the shrine for the first time but were taken back by the police due to security issues.

Now the duo said that they had their darshan of the Lord on Wednesday at 3.30 am.

Addressing the media, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that this move has expressed satisfaction over the women's philosophy, and also said that this time there was no protest or demonstration as before.

Bindu also said that they did not ascend the 18 holy steps but got their darshan through the staff gate. Their journey to the hill began from Pamba at 1:30 am and got their darshan by 3:30 am.

As per reports, Bindu and Kanakadurga reached Sannidhanam and made darshan of the Ayyappa deity through the staff gate used only by Devaswom Board employees.

There were allegations that the duo entered the temple in the name of transgenders. Though they had carried irumudikettu (holy offerings Ayyappa devotees carry) with them, they were allowed to enter the temple without any problems. Bindu also said nobody questioned them whether they are transgenders or ladies.

Bindu also told she felt proud at this moment and she said she dedicates her visit to the temple to all women in the nation. She also said she fulfilled her dream without any obstacles.

Meanwhile, CPM leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has criticised Sabarimala temple thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru for closing the temple for purification rites after two women of menstrual age entered the temple and had darshan of Lord Ayyappa on Wednesday.

He said thantri's decision is a challenge to the Supreme Court verdict. He also mentioned that the Supreme Court had said civil rights is above all these traditions. The thantri, who is bound to obey the court order, has acted against it by closing the temple and performing purification rites. He also said that after legal advice, action would be taken against the thantri.