Sudhakaran Namboothiri selected new melsanthi of Guruvayur Temple

THRISSUR: Sudhakaran Namboothiri (59) of Moorthiyedathu Mana at Sreekrishnapuram in Palakkad has been selected as the new melshanti of Guruvayur Temple. His appointment is for six months starting from October 1. He was selected through a draw of lots held today after the Ucha Pooja.

The names of 51 found eligible were placed in a silver pot before the sanctum sanctorum. The present melshanti Kavapra Marath Achuthan Namboothiri picked the lot in the presence of tantri P C Dinesan Namboothiripad. Devaswom chairman Dr V K Vijayan, governing body members Malliseri Parameswaran Namboothiripad, C Manoj, K S Balagopal, administrator O B Arun Kumar were also present. Of the 63 applicants, eight failed to attend the interview and four were disqualified.

The designated melshanti holds M A and B.Ed degrees. He is a retired principal of Sreekrishnapuram Higher Secondary School. He is a writer, mridangist and a ghatam player. His two poetry collections have been released.

His wife is Shajini (retired principal, Kalladi High School in Mannarkkad). Sumanesh and Nikhilesh are his two sons.

Before assuming charge, he will have to observe a 12-day devotional retreat (bhajanam) at the temple. He will assume charge on the night of September 30.

As purappada shanti, he will stay in the temple premises for six months and perform all rituals.