Guruvayur (Keralam) | Pazhayath P M Satheesan Namboothiri was selected on Thursday as the Melshanthi (chief priest) of the famous Sree Krishna Temple here through a draw of lots, authorities said.

Satheesan Namboothiri (58), a member of the temple's Othikkan family, will serve as Melshanthi for six months from October 1.

He had earlier served as Melshanthi from April 1 to September 30, 2014.

He also served as the chief priest during the Covid-19 pandemic from April 2020 to October 16.

The draw was held after the noon pooja at the Namaskara Mandapam in the presence of temple officials, devotees and media representatives.

Following the instructions of temple Tantri P C Dinesan Namboothiripad, the present Melshanthi T M Narayanan Namboothiri picked the name from a silver vessel containing the names of the eligible candidates.

Of the 43 applicants, 33 were found eligible for the draw, officials said.

A BSc Mathematics graduate, Satheesan Namboothiri learnt tantric rituals from Pottakkuzhi Narayanan Namboothiri.

The new Melshanthi will stay at the temple for six months and perform the daily rituals. He will assume charge on the night of September 30 after observing bhajanam at the temple, officials said.