On Tuesday K Jayaraman Namboothiri appointed as the new melsanthi of the famed Lord Ayyappa Temple. He was here for one year from November 16, when the annual pilgrimage season commences here.
On the other, Hariharan Namboothiri selected as the chief priest. He selects in adjoining Malikappuram Devi temple. Both of them were selected for the auspicious position. Through a draw of lots held in front of the sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) of the hillock temple. Which located in the Pathanamthitta district of the state.
The selections made by drawing lots. From a panel of priests shortlisted. After interviews conducted by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). The apex temple body manages the hill shrine, temple sources here said.
Two children, belonging to the Pandalam royal family. Took the lots in the presence of the TDB officials.
An ardent devotee of Lord Ayyappa, Jayaraman Namboothtiri, hails from Kannur. Said the selection was a dream-cum-true for him as he was longing to serve the Sabariamal deity. He also said he had been applying for the ‘melsanthi’ post for the past several years. And God showered his blessings this time.
TDB sources added, Both the priests would over the charge on November 16.
