GURUVAYUR: Pazhayathumana Sumesh Namboodiri has been chosen as the Guruvayur melsanthi. 41-year-old Sumesh is a family member of Kshethram Othikkan. This is the third time he is becoming a melsanthi. He had served as melsanthi in April 2012 and October 2016. He is the son of Pazhayathu Subramanyan Namboodiri, who was a melsanthi twice.

Sumesh Namboodiri will take charge in October. His tenure is for six months.

59 applications were obtained for the melsanthi post. 50 were shortlisted for the interview. Sumesh Namboodiri was selected from among the 50 contestants. He was selected through a draw of lots after the Uchchapooja on Monday.