Pandalam Palace Children Begin Journey for Sabarimala and Malikappuram Melsanthi Selection
Pandalam: Devanandan Arjun and Anaswara M. Ranjith, the children designated by the Pandalam Palace to conduct the draw of lots for the selection of the new Melsanthis (chief priests) of Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples, began their journey to Sabarimala from Pandalam Valiyakoikkal Temple around noon on Saturday (October 17).
Devanandan Arjun, a Class 2 student of SNVP School, Tripunithura, will draw the lots to select the Sabarimala Melsanthi. Anaswara M. Ranjith, a Class 4 student of Bhavan's Vidya Mandir from Lakshmi Vilasam Palace, Tripunithura, will conduct the draw for the Malikappuram Melsanthi.
After offering prayers at Valiyakoikkal Temple, the children received a warm send-off from representatives of the Temple Advisory Committee, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), and various Hindu organisations.
Following the traditional Kettunira ritual, the children began their journey to Sabarimala carrying irumudikkettu. Upon reaching Sannidhanam, they will climb the sacred 18 steps (Pathinettam Padi) and offer prayers at the temple.
The new Melsanthis of Sabarimala and Malikappuram will be selected through a draw of lots on October 18, following the Usha Pooja. The selected priests will assume charge on November 16 for a one-year term beginning on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrischikam.