GURUVAYUR: T.M. Narayanan Namboothiri has been selected as the new Melsanthi (Head Priest) of the renowned Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple for a six-month term beginning April 1. Hailing from Thekkuparambath Mana Sreenilayam in Cherpulassery, Palakkad, he was chosen through a draw of lots held after the temple reopened following the ‘Ucha Pooja’ (noon pooja). He is currently serving as the Melsanthi at the Illikkottukurissi Shiva Temple in Palakkad.
Out of the 49 applications received for the prestigious position, 35 candidates qualified for the final draw after a screening interview. The current Melsanthi, Moorthiyedath Mana Sudhakaran Namboothiri, drew the lots. Narayanan Namboothiri’s name was picked in the very first draw to receive the divine assignment.
The new Melsanthi will officially assume charge on the night of March 31. Prior to taking over, he will observe a strict 12-day ‘Bhajanam’ (a period of intense prayer and meditation) within the temple premises.
The selection ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Temple Thanthris Brahmasree P.C. Dinesan Namboothiripad and Krishnan Namboothiripad, Devaswom Chairman A.V. Gopinath, Managing Committee members Brahmasree Mallissery Parameswaran Namboothiripad, C. Manoj, and K.S. Balagopal, along with Administrator O.B. Arunkumar, media representatives, and numerous devotees.
