Arimkara Subramanyan Sankaran Namboothiri Selected as Sabarimala Melsanthi for 2026–27
Sabarimala: Shri. Arimkara Subramanyan Sankaran Namboothiri has been selected as the new Melsanthi (Chief Priest) of the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple for the 2026–27 term. He hails from Arimkara Illam and resides at P.R.S. Cliff, Ambujavilasam Road, Pulimoodu, Thiruvananthapuram.
The selection was made through the traditional draw of lots held at Sannidhanam on October 18, following the Usha Pooja. Children designated by the Pandalam Palace arrived at Sannidhanam carrying irumudikkettu to conduct the draw as part of the temple's traditional selection process.
The newly selected Melsanthi will assume charge on November 16 and serve a one-year term beginning on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrischikam, coinciding with the commencement of the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.