Sumesh Namboothiri is Guruvayur melsanthi

Thrissur: Pazhayath

Sumesh Namboothiri

has been selected as new melsanthi (head priest) at Sree Krishna Temple, Guruvayur on Monday. Sumesh Namboothiri, a member of

Othikkam

family, had served as melsanthi in 2012.

Around forty candidates had appeared for the interview conducted by two-member panel. Sumesh

Namboothiri

was selected, from 38 candidates who were shortlisted, after drawing of lots by outgoing melsanthi

Harish Mamboothiri

.

The interview panel comprised Thantri Chennal Namboothirippad and Ooralan Mallissery Parameswaran Namboothirippad. Devaswom board members monitored the proceedings.

The new melsanthi will take charge on September 30, for a period of six months.