New Melsanthis selected for Sabarimala, Malikappuram temples

ED Prasad of Erannur Mana in Chalakkudy in Thrissur has been selected as the new Melshanthi (high priest) of Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, while MG Manu Namboothiri of Ayiramthengil Muttathumadham in Mayyanad in Kollam has been selected as the Melshanthi of Malikappuram Devi temple.

The elections were held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, by draw from a panel of candidates shortlisted by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). Both the priests will take over on November 15, on the eve of the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala.

The Sabarimala Melshanthi draw was held at Sabarimala Sannidhanam at 8.15 am. While Kashyap Varma from Pandalam Palace drew the lots for the Ayyappa temple, Maithili, also from the Pandalam Palace, drew the lots for the Malikappuram temple.

Mr. Prasad currently serves as the Melshanthi of the Aaraeswaram Sree Dharmasastha temple and Mr. Namboothiri serves as the Melshanthi of the Kottikkad Sree Dharmasastha temple in Kollam.

The election proceedings took place under the supervision of Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan, in the presence of TDB chairman PS Prasanth and other officials. The panel included 14 candidates for the Sabarimala Melshanthi post and 13 candidates for Malikappuram.

Responding to his selection, Mr. Prasad said it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

“I cannot express my joy in words. Being the Melshanthi of Sabarimala is the greatest blessing for a priest. I will soon reach the divine abode of Lord Ayyappa,” he said.

This is the third time that Mr. Prasad’s name has appeared in the list of candidates considered for the Sabarimala Melshanthi post. He is the son of Parathera Damodaran Namboothiri and Leela Antharjanam. His wife is Rajila and the couple has two sons named Achyuth Damodar and Anuj Krishnan. Earlier, Mr. Prasad served as the Melshanthi of the Chottanikkara temple.

Sabarimala has witnessed a heavy influx of devotees ever since the temple was opened for Thulamasa pujas on Friday. According to officials, around 50,000 pilgrims booked darshan for Saturday through the virtual queuing system.