To be a Mel Santhi of Sabarimala Temple is a unique once in a life time honour bestowed on selected individuals.
Sannidhanam, in early 1940s, 50s and 60s , was just wild jungle which few pilgrims visited. It is understood that a VR Gopala Menon of Alapuzha used to stay on at Sannidhanam even when the temple was closed. He built a shack and stayed there even when no human being was anywhere near there during those days when the temple was closed. It was said that the wild animals never troubled him and that he used to feed the wildest of animals. Some years later, when Devasom Board was formed, I understand, he was asked to move out. He died as an orphan of the world at Vandiperiyar. He was the only companion to Thirumeni Eashwaran Nampoothiri (mentioned below) in those wild old days of solitude and dedication. Revered Menon used to recite `Harivarasanam' with all devotion. When Thirumeni Eashwaran Nampoothiri heard about the demise of Revered Menon, at the end of the monthly poojas when he was about to close the doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum, he remembered Revered Menon and recited "Harivarasanam' starting a nostalgic tradition that remains unbroken to this day.
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An illustrious Mel Santhi was Eshwaran Nampoothiri.
(Photograph as shown in Year 2000 edition of `Thiruvabharanam' of Malayala Manorama)
He was the Mel Santhi during the first part of 1950s. He was the one who re-installed the idol on (Nakshatram Atham) 4th of Edava Masam , 1126 Malayalam Calendar (after it was desecrated in 1950s by anti-hindu elements). He was also the initiator who started traditions like:-
Reciting `Harivarasanam` at the moment of closure of the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Commencement of `Uthrada' Sadya on 12th September 1951
Nine priests were in the run for the most scared post, after the preliminary test
conducted at the Devaswom Board headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.
The procedure goes as follows for the main temple and the Malikapuram temple.
The names of the short listed candidates are written down on small pieces of paper, crumpled and placed in a silver urn.
A second silver urn is also made available. It also has nine slips of paper. Eight are blank. One has the inscription `Melsanthi'.
A randomly selected child from amongst the pilgrims present is chosen to draw a slip of paper from the first urn. The name is read out aloud. Another randomly picked child draws a piece of paper from the second urn. That slip will either be a blank slip or will have the inscription` Melsanthi' written on it. If it is a blank slip, the name called out will drop put of the race. The sequence is repeated with the first urn and the second urn, till the slip with the inscription of `Melsanthi' is picked up from the second urn.
Similar process if followed at the `Malikapuram' temple to choose the `Malikapuram' Melsanthi.
Shri Vishnu Namboodri of Thekkedath Mana, Maruthankuzhi, Thirvananthapuram has been elected as Sabrimal Mel Santhi for the year starting 1st Vrichikam (16 Nov 08).
Shri Sreekumara Sharma of Thamaramangal Illam, Idanad, Chengannur been elected as Melsanthi of Malikapuram temple for the year starting 1st Vrichikam (16 Nov 08).
Shri N Vishnu Namboothri (45 Yrs) has been selected as the melsanthi of Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple. He will be holding this position of reverence for a one year. He is from Ezhakadavu Cheruthala Madom.
He was working as the Mel Santhi at the Cherukol temple near Mavelikara.
Photograph awaited |
N Vishnu Nambootiri |
Shri Madhavan Namputhiri has been selected as the Melsanthi of
Malikappuram Devi Temple.
Photograph awaited |
Shri Madhavan Nampoothiri |
Both the Melsanthis will take charge of their respective appointments on 15 Nov 09.
The New Custodian at Vavarunada
Shri Abdul Karim Musaliar (72 yrs) has been elected as the custodian of Vavarunada at Sannidhanam. He belongs to Vettiplackal family who are considered as the descendant of Vavar Swamy. Because of his advanced age, he does not intend going to Vavaunada straight away. He will go there only when there is a need.
However, six of his representatives will take care of all the affairs of Vavarunadanada at Sannidhanam.
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