Pathanamthitta: Sabarimala reopened after the Suddhikalasam (purification rites). The purification process took around one hour. The pilgrims started to climb the 18 holy steps for darshan.

Earlier, 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 temple closes for 'purification' after entry of two women

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

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

As per reports, Bindu and Kanakadurga reached Sannidhanam and had the 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 whether they are transgenders or ladies.

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

Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has criticised Sabarimala temple thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru for closing the temple for purification rites. 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.