Pathanamthitta, Oct. 18 -- Areekkara Subramanian Sankaran Namboothiri has been selected as the new Melsanthi (chief priest) of the famed Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala for the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.

Ahead of assuming his sacred duties, the newly appointed chief priest is scheduled to visit the Kalighat temple to offer prayers and seek divine blessings.

The selections were finalised through the traditional draw of lots held at the Sannidhanam on Sunday morning, where a child from the Pandalam royal family drew the lot to decide Sabarimala's new chief priest.

Expressing profound gratitude following his selection, the newly appointed Sabarimala Head Priest Areekkara Subramanian Sankaran Namboothiri called it ...