RSS leader, board member climb holy steps without

A row broke out Tuesday over the violation of tradition by an RSS leader and a temple board official, who climbed the sacred 18 steps without carrying the customary "Irumudikettu" (offerings carried by devotees for the deity).

Television channels aired visuals of state RSS leader, Valsan Thillankeri at the golden 18 steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum sans the "Irumudikettu".

Responding to the issue, he said he had not violated any customs and claimed that he ascended the 18 steps carrying the sacred offerings.

Shortly after K P Sankaradas, member, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) which manages the shrine, said a probe would be conducted, much to his embarrassment, visuals of him climbing the holy steps Monday surfaced.

Sabarimala tantri (head priest), Kandararu Rajeevaru made it clear that only the tantris and members of the erstwhile Pandalam Royal family could climb the steps without "Irrumudikettu."