Thiruvananthapuram:: In a major decision, PN Mahesh, hailing from the esteemed Putillath Mana in Enanallur, near Muvattupuzha, has been appointed as the Melshanthi, or chief priest, of the renowned Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple in Kerala. Alongside, P G Murali, affiliated with the distinguished Poongat Mana near Guruvayur, has been named as the chief priest for the adjacent Malikappuram Devi temple at Sabarimala.

Presently, Mahesh P N serves as the chief priest at the Paramekavu temple in Thrissur, while P G Murali holds the position of a priest at the Ayyappa Swami temple in Hyderabad.

The selection of the chief priests was carried out by the Travancore Devaswam Board through a lottery draw from a pre-established panel of shortlisted candidates. These appointments are designated for a one-year term. Notably, this year's Sabarimala pilgrimage season is scheduled to commence on November 17, 2023.

Selection Procedure: The management authority, the Travancore Devaswam Board, overseeing the Sabarimala temple, decided on the Melshanthi appointments from a roster of 17 carefully chosen individuals. Vaideh Varma and Nirupama Varma, members of the esteemed Panthalam royal family, were entrusted with the task of drawing lots from the shortlisted candidates. In a significant event, Vaideh selected the name of Mahesh, while Nirupama drew the lot that bore Murali's name, at the hallowed grounds of Sannidhanam on a Wednesday morning.

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