Prasad E.D. of Erannur Mana and M.G. Manu Namboothiri Selected as Melshanthis of Sabarimala and Malikappuram Temples
Pathanamthitta: Prasad E.D. has been selected through a draw of lots as the new Melshanthi (chief priest) of the Sabarimala Temple. Prasad, from Erannur Mana in Chalakudy, is currently serving as the Melshanthi of the Areshwaram sastha Temple.
Prasad said he is delighted to have been chosen, adding that this was his third time applying for the position.
M.G. Manu Namboothiri has been selected as the Melshanthi of the Malikappuram Temple. He hails from Mayyanad in Kollam district.
The draw of lots for selecting the Melshanthis of Sabarimala and Malikappuram Temples was conducted by Kashyap Varma and Maithili K. Varma, the children from the Pandalam Palace. In accordance with the Supreme Court’s 2011 directive and based on the report of retired Justice K.T. Thomas, children from the Pandalam family are sent to conduct the selection each year.
Both newly selected priests will officially assume their duties on November 16.