Sabarimala: After the Sabarimala temple doors opened for the monthly puja, the lottery to select the new Melshanti (chief priest) was held on Saturday morning.

ED Prasad from Chalakudy in Thrissur district was selected as the Sabarimala chief priest, while Manu Namboothiri from Koottikada, Kollam district, was chosen as the Malikappuram chief priest. This marks the third time Manu Namboothiri has applied for the position. The final list for the Sabarimala chief priest had 14 candidates.

Currently, Prasad serves as the chief priest of Aarashwaram Sree Dharma Shastra Temple.

Speaking to Mathrubhumi News, he expressed pride at his selection, saying, “This is the third time I applied for the Melsanthi post. I feel blessed that Bhagavan has accepted my application.”

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit the hill shrine for darshan on October 22, the concluding day of the monthly poojas.

The TDB has already begun preparations to welcome President Murmu, and in view of her visit, restrictions will be in place for devotees on October 22.

The Sree Chithira Attathirunal festival will be observed at the Sannidhanam on October 21.