New Melsanthis selected for Sabarimala, Malikappuram temples

E.D. Prasad of Erannur Mana, Chalakkudy in Thrissur, has been selected as the new Melshanthi (chief priest) of the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, while M. G. Manu Namboothiri of Ayiramthengil Muttathumadham, Mayyanad in Kollam, has been chosen as the Melshanthi of the Malikappuram Devi temple.

The selections were made through a draw of lots from a panel of candidates shortlisted by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) on Saturday (October 18, 2025). Both priests will assume charge on November 15, on the eve of the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala.

The draw for the Sabarimala Melshanthi was held at 8.15 a.m. at Sabarimala Sannidhanam. Kashyap Varma of the Pandalam Palace drew the lot for the Ayyappa temple, while Maithili, also of the Pandalam Palace, drew the lot for the Malikappuram shrine.

Mr. Prasad currently serves as the Melshanthi of the Aaraeswaram Sree Dharmasastha temple, and Mr. Namboothiri serves as the Melshanthi of the Kottikkad Sree Dharmasastha temple in Kollam.

The selection proceedings took place under the supervision of R. Jayakrishnan, Sabarimala Special Commissioner, in the presence of TDB president P.S. Prasanth and other officials. There were 14 candidates in the panel for the Sabarimala Melshanthi post and 13 for Malikappuram.

Responding to his selection, Mr. Prasad said it was the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

“Words cannot express my joy. Becoming the Melshanthi of Sabarimala is the greatest blessing for any priest. I will soon reach the divine abode of Lord Ayyappa,” he said.

This is the third time that Mr. Prasad’s name has appeared in the list of candidates considered for the Sabarimala Melshanthi post. He is the son of Parathera Damodaran Namboothiri and Leela Antharjanam. His wife is Rajila, and the couple has two sons, Achyuth Damodar and Anuj Krishnan. Earlier, Mr. Prasad had served as the Melshanthi of the Chottanikkara temple.

Since the temple opened for the Thulamasa pujas on Friday, Sabarimala has witnessed a heavy influx of devotees. According to officials, nearly 50,000 pilgrims have booked darshan through the virtual queue system for Saturday.