Sabarimala's tantri Kantararu Rajeeveru told the Travancore Devasom Board (TDB) that he carried out "purification rituals" following the two women's entry, as that was "the natural practice followed whenever there is a breach of the temple tradition and customs".

The temple was shut for an hour around 10.30 am on January 2 for the "purification rituals" after CM Pinarayi Vijayan that day confirmed two women - Bindu Ammini and Kanaka Durga - had darshan at the hilltop temple at 3.30 am.