Travancore Devaswom Board appoints new head priests for Sabarimala, Malikappuram

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has appointed new Melsanthis, or head priests, for the Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples in Kerala through a draw of lots held on October 18. The selection process followed established protocols of the board, which oversees the administration and religious affairs of numerous temples across the Travancore region.

The two candidates were chosen from panels that had been previously shortlisted by the TDB following standard eligibility criteria and qualifications for the senior priestly positions. The lottery system was employed as the final mechanism for selection, ensuring transparency in the appointment process.

The Melsanthi role carries significant responsibilities in Kerala's temple hierarchy, involving oversight of daily rituals, temple operations, and adherence to traditional protocols. Both Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples hold considerable religious and cultural importance in the region, attracting devotees throughout the year.

The TDB, a statutory body established to manage temples in the erstwhile Travancore kingdom, regularly conducts such appointment processes to fill vacancies in senior ecclesiastical positions. The board ensures that all selections align with traditional temple governance structures while maintaining compliance with contemporary administrative standards.