Thiruvananthapuram: Areekkara Subrahmanya Namboothiri has been selected as the new Melshanthi (chief priest) of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. A. Damodaran Namboothiri has been selected as the Melshanthi of the Malikappuram Temple. Both were chosen through a draw of lots. Subrahmanya Namboothiri is a native of Areekkara in Thiruvananthapuram district. He is currently serving as the Melshanthi of the Pazhavangadi Temple.
His name was drawn third in the first round of the selection process. A. Damodaran Namboothiri, who has been selected as the Malikappuram Melshanthi, hails from Vadakara in Kozhikode district. Both priests were selected through the draw of lots.
