New Sabarimala Keezhsanthi Welcomed by Previous Keezhsanthi at Sannidhanam
Sannidhanam: Brahmashree Ganesh Bhatt (B. Ganesh Prasad), Shanthi of Kavallurkonam Devaswom under the Ulloor Group of the Travancore Devaswom Board, has been selected as the Sabarimala Devaswom Ulkazhakam, also known as the Keezhsanthi (assistant priest), for the 2026–27 period through a traditional draw of lots.
Following his selection, Ganesh Bhatt was welcomed by previous Sabarimala Keezhsanthi Hareesh Potty, who completed his tenure for the 2025–26 period, along with Malikappuram Melshanthi M.G. Manu Namboothiri, Sabarimala Melshanthi E.D. Prasad and Sabarimala Thantri Brahmashree Kandararu Brahmadattan.
The traditional draw of lots was held at Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple after the Usha Pooja on Monday in the presence of Devaswom Commissioner B. Sunil Kumar, Sabarimala Special Commissioner J. Jayakrishnan and Sabarimala Executive Officer P.S. Shanthakumar.
The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple was opened early Monday morning for the Chingam Masa pooja, with a large number of devotees arriving at the Sannidhanam from 5 am.
The selection of the Keezhsanthi was conducted through the traditional draw-of-lots procedure.