PN Narayanan Namboothiri of Thrikkariyur in Ernakulam district was on Thursday selected as the Melshanthi (head priest) of the lord Ayyappa temple of Sabarimala, Kerala’s famous Hindu pilgrim centre.
PM Manoj of Edappal in Malappuram district was selected as the Melshanthi of the Malikappuram Devi temple, adjacent to the lord Ayyappa shrine at the mountain pilgrim centre. Both the head priests were selected through draw of lots held at their respective temples.
The new Melshanthis will head the sacred affairs including poojas at their respective temples for a period of one year from November 16, first day of the Vrischikam month of the Malayalam calendar and the day the Mandalam pilgrimage season begins at the hill shrine.
As per the tradition at the Sabarimala temple, the head priest is selected through draw of lots from among the shortlisted candidates on the morning of the first day of the month of Thulam of the Malayalam calendar. The ceremonial installation of the new Melshanthis will be held on November 15, the day the shrine opens for the Mandalam pilgrimage.