The Melsanthi-designate of the Lord Ayyappa temple, A.V. Unnikrishnan Namboodiri of Mangalathu Azhakathu Mana at Kodakara near Chalakudy, and that of the Malikappuram Devi temple, Aneesh Namboodiri of Varickom Illom at Mainagappally, visited Sabarimala on Wednesday.
The priests, who have been selected as the Melsanthis of the two Sabarimala temples through a draw of lots, reached Sabarimala in the morning. They offered prayers at the Ayyappa temple and the Malikappuram temple and sought blessings from the Tantri, Kandararu Maheswararu Mohanararu. Both of them interacted with the Tantri and the incumbent head priests at the Ayyappa temple and the Malikappuram temple to get a preliminary understanding of the unique ritualistic practices at Sabarimala.
Mr. Unnikrishnan Namboodiri was accompanied by his sons. “I feel blessed to get this privilege to serve the presiding deity at the famous Ayyappa temple for the next one year,” he said. Presently, he is the head priest at the Azhakom Durga Devi temple at Kodakara.
Aneesh Namboodiri is presently the head priest at the Mannoorkavu Devi temple at Mainagappally.
Special rituals
Tantri, Kandararu Maheswararu Mohanararu, assisted by the Melsanthi, T.M. Unnikrishnan Namboodiri, performed the Sahasrakalasapuja and Kalabhapuja at the Namaskara Mandapam.
The golden urns carrying the Brahmakalasom and Kalabhom, specially prepared sandal paste, were taken out in a ceremonial procession, with the accompaniments of the sacred Marappani and other temple percussion, to the sanctum sanctorum for performing the auspicious Abhishekom to the presiding deity prior to the Utchapuja.
The Kalabhom offered to the deity was distributed as Prasadom among the devotees. Ashtabhishekom, Udayasthamanapuja, Pushpabhishekom, and Padipuja were the other important rituals performed at the Ayyappa temple on Thursday.
