SABARIMALA: The Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple was opened on Monday evening PM for 'Thula masam' poojas. A draw of lots would be held on Tuesday to select its next 'melshanti'. The temple was opened and the lamps were be lit by the present melshanti N Parameshwaran Namboothiri in the presence of the Thanthri Kandararu Rajeevaru. A fire was also lit in front of the 18th step of the path leading to the shrine. It also said that there would be no poojas on the day the temple is opened. Melshantis for Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples would be selected via draw of lots on Tuesday after the 'Ushapoojas' get over.

Kritikesh Varma of Pandalam Palace and Pournami G Varma of Malikappuram will draw the lots. Thanthri Kandararu Rajeevaru, Adv K Ananthagopan, Devaswom Commissioner BS Prakash, High Court Observer Justice Bhaskaran, and Special Commissioner M Manoj will lead the function.