Sabarimala (Kerala): The sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala temple has opened for the Thulam monthly pujas, with large numbers of devotees arriving for darshan. Following a review meeting at Pamba, Chief Minister V D Satheesan reached the Sabarimala Sannidhanam to offer prayers. The Chief Minister set off on foot from Pamba towards Sannidhanam around 3 pm and arrived by 5 pm.

According to reports, the Chief Minister will return on Saturday after offering prayers. As he did not carry the sacred ‘Irumudikkettu’ (bundle of offerings), he will not ascend the holy Pathinettam Padi (18 steps) to offer darshan. He completed the entire trek through the forest path on foot.
 


Selection of head priests on Sunday

The selection of the head priests (Melshanthi) is scheduled for Sunday. The selection of the chief priests who will hold charge at Sabarimala and Malikappuram for the next one year will be conducted via a draw of lots at the Sannidhanam on Sunday morning. Devanandan will draw the lot for the Sabarimala head priest, while Anaswara will draw the lot for the Malikappuram head priest.

Devanandan Arjun is the son of V Arjun of Pantalam Nalukettu Palace and Sharmada R Varma of Kottayam Karapuzha Ilayakovilakam. He is a Class 2 pupil at SNVP School in Thripunithura.

Anaswara M Ranjith is the daughter of Ranjith Rajan of Thripunithura Laxmi Vilasam Palace No 46 and Mythili Raja, daughter of the late former royal representative R Kerala Varma Raja of Pantalam Srambickal Palace. She is a Class 4 student at Bhavan's Vidya Mandir.