New chief priest for Sabarimala

G Vishnu Namboodiri was today selected as the 'melsanthi' (chief priest) of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, where the two-month long pilgrim seasion is to begin in mid-November.

KC Madhavan Namboodiri was selected as the melsanthi of Malikappuram Devi temple attached to the hill shrine complex, temple officials said today.

The selections were made by drawing lots from panels of shortlisted candidates. The tenure of chief priests is for a year from November 16, when they take charge.

The Mandala Pooja season of the temple will commence on Nov 16, to be followed  by 'Makaravilakku' pilgrimage culminating on the Makarasakranthi pooja in mid-January. Last year, over three crore pilgrims from different parts of the country visisted the hill shrine.