Raman Namboothiri new Sabarimala Melsanthi

By Our Staff Reporter

PATHANAMTHITTA, OCT. 20. Mr. A.R. Raman Namboothiri of Thrikkalathoor Athrasserry Illom in Muvattupuzha and Mr. V. Sreevalsa Sarma of Neduvathoor Muriayamangalathu Madhom, near Kottarakkara, were chosen as the new Melsanthis of the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple and the Malikappuram Devi Temple in a draw of lots held at the `sopanam' of the respective temples this forenoon.

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), custodian of the Sabarimala temples, had short-listed nine priests from among the 33 valid applicants for the post of the Sabarimala Melsanthi after a personal interview held in Thiruvananthapuram on October 18. Another set of nine priests have also been shortlisted for the post of the Malikappuram Melsanthi from among a total of 10 valid applicants.

The names of all the nine priests who have been shortlisted for the Sabarimala Melsanthi post were included in the draw of lots held with religious fervour at the holy hillock today.

The TDB had prepared the lots before the devotees thronged the temple Sopanam around 11 a.m. and kept them in two separate silver urns. One urn contained slips carrying the name of the priests while the other one contained eight blank slips and one slip carrying the word `Melsanthi'.

The Tantri, Mr. Kantaru Maheswararu, took the silver urns to the sanctum sanctorum to offer poojas to the deity.

Later, the TDB authorities invited a little girl, Ms. Anusree, from Thiruvalla, from among the devotees at the Sopanam, to draw the lots in an atmosphere charged with devotion.

The fervent chants of `Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa' filled the air when the slip carrying the name of Mr. Raman Nambooothiri coincided with the `Melsanthi slip' and the TDB president, Dr. N. Babu declared Mr. Namboothiri as the next Sabarimala Melsanthi from the ensuing Mandalam season.

Later, the draw to select the Malikappuram Melsanthi was held in a similar manner, and the lots were drawn by another girl, Ms. Swathi from Adoor.

The TDB members, Mr. Charupara Ravi and Prof. D. Sasidharan, the Special Commissioner appointed by the High Court, Mr. D. Sreevallabhan, and the Devaswom Commissioner, Mr, C.P.Nair, monitored the draw of lots.

The Melsanthis at the two temples will assume charge on the first day of the Malayalam month of `Vrischikam' after a customary installation ceremony at the respective temple `sopanams' on the Mandalam eve.

The installation of both the Melsanthis would be held on November 15 and the Tantri will divulge the Moolamantra of the presiding deity, later.

The draw of lots held at the Sopanam of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple to select the new Sabarimala Melsanthi on Saturday.

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Section  : Southern States
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