New chief priest E.N. Krishnadas Namboodiri selected for Sabarimala

Sabarimala: E.N. Krishnadas Namboodiri was on Saturday selected as the new melsanthi (chief priest) of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. S. Kesavan Namboodiri was selected as the melsanthi for the adjoining Malikappuram Devi temple. The selections were made by draw of lots from two panels of shortlisted candidates, temple officials said. Mr Krishnadas Namboodiri, presently the priest at Pavakkulam temple in Ernakulam, is a native of Panjal in Thrissur. The chief priests for the temples are selected for a year ahead of the pilgrimage.