GURUVAYUR: Brahmasree P.M. Satheesan Namboodiri (58) of Puthamphalli Pazhayath Mana has been selected as the new Chief Priest (Melsanthi) of the renowned Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. His tenure will span six months, commencing on October 1.
This marks the second full term as Chief Priest for Satheesan Namboodiri, who belongs to the traditional Othikkan family of the temple. He previously served as the Melsanthi from April 1 to September 30, 2014, and later discharged the duties temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic from April to October 20, 2020.
The selection took place today following the Uchapooja (afternoon worship). Under the guidance of the Temple Tantri, Brahmasree P.C. Dinesan Namboodiripad, the current Chief Priest, T.M. Narayanan Namboodiri, drew the lot from a silver pot placed at the Namaskara Mandapam. Satheesan Namboodiri was chosen from a final list of 33 eligible candidates, shortlisted from 43 applicants.
Overwhelmed with emotion, the newly appointed Chief Priest shared, “I prayed earnestly to the Lord and observed severe penance during the month of Karkidakam. Everything is the blessing of Guruvayurappan. Whatever I prayed for, He has granted.”
The process was conducted in the presence of Tantri Brahmasree Krishnan Namboodiripad, Devaswom Chairman A.V. Gopinath, Temple Uralan and Managing Committee Member Mallissery Parameswaran Namboodiripad, and Administrator S. Harigopal, alongside devotees and media personnel.
Background and Education The 58-year-old priest holds a B.Sc. degree in Mathematics and learned Tantric rituals under Pottakkuzhi Narayanan Namboodiri. He is married to Sheoja Antharjanam from Mecheri Mana, Lakkidi, Ottapalam. The couple has two daughters: Sreeranjini, an Ayurvedic doctor, and Sreevidya, a software engineer.
Following a period of mandatory devotional penance (Bhajanam) at the temple, Satheesan Namboodiri will formally assume charge on the night of September 30. During his six-month tenure, he will reside within the temple premises as a Purappada Santhi (a priest who does not leave the temple grounds during his period of service).
