New head priests of Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples elected, selection done by traditional draw

Pathanamthitta, October 18 (IANS). ED has been appointed as the new head priest for the famous Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala. Prasad was elected. While, for Malikappuram Devi Temple, MG Manu Namboothiri has been appointed as Melasanti. The selection took place through a traditional draw held at Sannidhanam on Saturday morning after Usha Puja. The darshan of the temple started from the first date of Thulam month and there is an influx of devotees. Ed. Prasad is a native of Vasupuram Mattathurkunnu, Chalakudy in Thrissur district. He is currently the Melashanti of Areeshwaram Sri Dharmashasta Temple. When he was selected, Prasad said it was like the fulfillment of his life’s dream. He also used to serve in the Chottanikkara temple. On the other hand, MG Manu Namboothiri is a resident of Koottikkad Aayirathengu in Mayyanad, Kollam district. Both the priests were selected by lot from the list of candidates prepared by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). There were 14 candidates for Sabarimala and 13 for Malikappuram. The drawing process was conducted at Sannidhanam at 08:15. Kashyap Verma of Pandalam royal family held the draw for Sabarimala Melashanti, while Mithili R. Varma for Malikappuram. TDB Chairman Advocate PS Prashant, Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan, High Court Supervisor TR Ramachandran Nair and Devaswom Commission Chairman B. Sunilkumar led the process. TDB member Advocate A. Azikumar and Advocate PD Santosh Kumar were also present. The selection comes ahead of the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage, which is an important part of the religious life of the state. The TDB congratulated the new priests and said they will uphold the traditions of the temple. The temple opened for Thulam puja from Friday and around 50,000 devotees booked darshan through virtual queue on Saturday. There will be special arrangements due to the darshan of President Draupadi Murmu on October 22. –IANS SHK/AS Share this story Tags