THRISSUR: Sreenath Namboothiri of Palakkad Thekke Vavanoor was selected as the new head priest of Guruvayur Krishna temple. The draw was held in the presence of Temple Tantri P C Dinesan Namboothiripad today after noon Pooja.

The current Guruvayur Melshanthi (head priest) Thottam Sivakaran Namboothiri was made to draw lots in the Namaskara mandapam near the temple. The new head priest will start his tenure on October 1st and will continue to be in the temple for the next six months.

Tantri Chennas Dinesan Namboothiripad talked with 45 of the 47 applicants on Saturday morning and shortlisted names which he later forwarded to Devaswom for consideration. The newly appointed Melshanti will assume charge on September 30.