Sneha, who is in the centre of controversy for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Hindus by undertaking Girivalam at Thiruvannamalai wearing chappals, has said she used a “specially designed footwear” for the purpose since she could not walk barefoot for a long distance thanks to an accident.

“My leg is not okay after a mishap a few years ago. I can’t walk without a chappal for a long distance. Hence I use footwear made out of cloth while visiting temples. I used one such chappal during Girivalam,” she says.

Stating that she had explained her side to a pro-Hindu outfit, Sneha said they had accepted it. “I am a spiritual person. I would never hurt the sentiments of anyone,” she said.

The actress, accompanied by her father, had recently visited the Arunachaleswar Temple in Thiruvannamalai, one of the six abodes of Lord Siva in the form of fire. She kicked up a row by undertaking Girivalam, a walk around the temple on a full-moon day, wearing chappals.

After a section of the media came out with pictures of Sneha wearing chappals during Girivalam, the Hindu Makkal Katchi has raised a banner of protest, demanding that the actress tender unconditional apology for hurting the sentiments of the Hindus.

In a statement, HMK Organisor Sridharan said the actor had visited the temple as if she was visiting her friends. She had hurt the feelings of lakhs of devotees who undertake 'Girivalam' by her act.

If she failed to tender an apology, the HMK volunteers would stage a protest demonstration in front of her residence, he warned.