Guruvayur (Kerala), March 18 T.M. Narayanan Namboothiri from Cheruppulassery in Palakkad was selected as the Melsanthi (head priest) of the famous Lord Krishna Temple here for a six-month term starting April 1, the Guruvayur Devaswom said.
According to the Devaswom, the selection was made through the traditional lottery system.
"Out of the 49 applicants, 35 candidates who qualified after the interview were included in the lottery," the Devaswom said.
"The final selection was made through the lottery, and T.M. Narayanan Namboothiri was chosen," it said.
The lottery was conducted by the current Melsanthi, Moorthiyeadathu Mana Sudhakaran Namboothiri.
The Devaswom noted that the selected priest had applied for the position multiple times in the past.
"He had applied more than 20 times for the Melsanthi position," it said. He will assume office on the night of March 31.
"Prior to taking office, he will observe 12 days of prayers in the temple as per tradition," the Devaswom said.
The lottery was held after the reopening of the temple following the midday prayers.
Temple authorities, including the temple Tantri, Devaswom board members, officials, and devotees, were present at the event, the Devaswom added.