Prasad E D Appointed as New Chief Priest of Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple Ahead of Annual Pilgrimage Season

Sabarimala temple is experiencing significant pilgrim crowds since opening its doors on Friday evening for the seasonal rituals.

Pathanamthitta (Kerala): As the annual Manadalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season approaches within weeks, Prasad E D from Thrissur was appointed on Saturday as the new 'melsanthi' (chief priest) of the renowned Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple.

Manu Namboothiri M G, who hails from Mayyanadu in Kollam district, was selected as the melsanthi of the nearby Malikappuram shrine, located approximately 100 meters from the main Lord Ayyappa temple.

The selection process followed traditional methods through a ceremonial draw conducted after the 'Ushapooj' (morning prayer) at the hilltop temple, which commenced its 'thulam' month rituals on Friday, according to sources from the Travancore Devaswom Board.

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) manages numerous temples throughout Kerala, including the sacred Sabarimala shrine.

Prasad, who comes from Chalakudy in Thrissur, has been performing priestly duties at the Areswaram Dharmasastha Temple for the past three years.

In his interview with a television channel, Prasad expressed profound joy regarding his appointment as chief priest at the Lord Ayyappa temple.

A devoted Ayyappa follower, Prasad mentioned his desire to reach the sacred shrine as soon as possible.

"I am overwhelmed with happiness. Words cannot express my feelings. I could not ask for anything more in life," the newly appointed chief priest added.

The selection ceremony was conducted with two children from the Pandalam royal family drawing lots, supervised by officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Currently, Sabarimala is experiencing a substantial influx of devotees since the temple opened on Friday evening for seasonal worship.

Sources further indicated that President Draupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit the sacred shrine on October 22.