KM Achuthan Namboothiri (52), from Muthoor Kavrapamaram Mana, was selected as the melshanti (chief priest) of the Guruvayur Temple on Saturday. He was selected through a traditional draw (Narukketuppu) held in the presence of temple thantri Brahmashri PC Dineshan Namboothiripad after the Ucha Pooja (midday ritual).

The outgoing melshanti, Puthumana Sreejith Namboothiri, conducted the draw, in which he picked a name from the Vellikkudam (silver pot). A total of 44 candidates participated in the selection process, of which 38 eligible names were placed in the pot.

ADVERTISEMENT

After completing the temple bhajanam (spiritual observance), the newly selected melshanti will officially take charge on March 31 by receiving the symbolic Thaakkol Kootam (bunch of keys) as the ‘Purappeda Shanti’ (priest ready to assume duties).

The event was attended by Devaswom Chairman Dr VK Vijayan, board members Mallissery Parameswaran Namboothiripad, C Manoj, and temple administrator KP Vinayan.

The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Onmanorama. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.