E-Paper
Head priest of Sabarimala temple selected
The selection was made from a panel of nine shortlisted candidates prepared by interviewing applicants.
Eswaran Namboodiri was on Wednesday selected as
melsanthi
(head priest) of the Sabarimala temple for a one year-term by draw of lots at the Sannidhanam in Sabarimala.
The selection was made from a panel of nine shortlisted candidates prepared by interviewing applicants by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) authorities earlier.
Eswaran Namboodiri hails from Thuruthi Illam near Mavelikkara.
Madhsoodanan Potti of Kottarakkara was selected as melsanthi of the Malikappuram temple, also by a draw of lots.
The melsanthi, selected annually, would preside over the main poojas and rituals of the hill shrine for an year from November 17, when the Mandala vilakku pilgrimage season of the temple begins.
The head priest would have to stay at Sabarimala for the entire period without visiting home.
The draw was conducted in the presence of TDB president G Raman Nair, tantri (traditional high priest) Kandararu Rajivaru, the incumbent head priest M Sukumaran Namboodiri and TDB officials.
