'I have one thing to tell Ayyappa devotees, I've everything I need to live; the Lord has given me everything'

SABARIMALA: Newly selected Sabarimal Melsanthi Areekkara Subrahmanian Sankaran Namboothiri described his appointment as a blessing and a responsibility bestowed upon him by Lord Ayyappa. He was speaking to the media after being selected for the post. He also said he had been hopeful of getting the opportunity.

"I have one thing to tell Ayyappa devotees. I will always remain honest. There will never be any misconduct or financial interests on my part. The Lord has given me everything I need to live. I consider this a great opportunity," he said.

Subrahmanian Sankaran Namboothiri, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, was selected in the third round of the draw. He has been serving as the Melsanthi of the Pazhavangadi temple for the past five years. He had applied for the post of Sabarimala chief priest five times earlier and made it to the shortlist on three occasions, but was unsuccessful in the final draw.

The draw was conducted by Devanandan Arjun and Anaswara M Ranjith, children of the Pandalam royal family. Devanandan picked the lot for the Sabarimala Melsanthi post, while Anaswara picked the lot for the Malikappuram post. Ramavarma Raja of the Pandalam royal family had assigned the children the responsibility of drawing the lots. The children were selected for the draw based on the report of retired Justice K T Thomas, in accordance with the Supreme Court's 2011 order.