Kerala: Sabarimala Ayyappa temple gets a new head priest

The new Melsanthi (head priest) at the Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala is SE Sankaran Namboodiri of 'Sooryagayatrom' (Karackattu Illom), The Hindu reports. He was selected by a draw of lots.

According to the report ES Unnikrishnan Namboodiri of Edackanom Illom has been selected as the next Melsanthi of the Malikappuram Devi Temple. Both the head priests will take charge of their new duties on November 17 and will hold the post for one year.

Kerala High Court appointed K Babu as Special Commissioner to oversee the selection process of the head priests. He was the one to announce the results.

The report adds that the two head priests will undergo training at the Tantri household of Thazhamon Madhom at Mundankavu near Chengannur before they join their new posts.