Chennas Narayanan Namboothiripad, the head priest of the famed Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple here, died at a hospital in the district, family sources said.

Born as the elder son of the Chennas Parameswaran Namboothiripad and Sridevi Antharjanam, Narayanan Namboothiripad had been the Tantri (head priest) of the ancient shrine since 2014. He also served as the member of the temple administrative panel. He was 71 and had been under treatment for post-COVID complications for some days, Sources said.

A postgraduate in English language and literature, he also worked as an employee in a local bank. Narayanan Namboothiripad is survived by wife Suchitra Antharjanam and a son. State Devaswom Minister K Radhakrishnan condoled the demise.

Guruvayur Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Guruvayurappan, Under the Administration of Guruvayur Devaswom, located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus in Kerala and is often referred to as Bhuloka Vaikunta.

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