Guruvayur (Kerala) | T M Narayanan Namboothiri from Cheruppulassery in Palakkad was on Wednesday selected as the Melsanthi (head priest) of the famous Lord Krishna Temple here for a six-month term beginning April 1, the Guruvayur Devaswom said.

According to it, the selection was made through the traditional draw of lots.

"Out of 49 applicants, 35 candidates who qualified after the interview were included in the draw," the Devaswom said.

"The final selection was made by drawing lots, and T M Narayanan Namboothiri was chosen," it said.

The draw was conducted by the current Melshanthi, Moorthiyeadathu Mana Sudhakaran Namboothiri.

The Devaswom noted that the selected priest had applied for the post multiple times earlier.

"He had applied more than 20 times for the Melsanthi selection," it said. He will assume charge on the night of March 31.

"Prior to taking charge, he will observe 12 days of bhajan in the temple as per tradition," the Devaswom said.

The draw was held after the reopening of the temple following the noon pooja.

Temple authorities, including temple Tantri, Devaswom board members, officials and devotees, were present on the occasion, the Devaswom added.