PATHANAMTHITTA, INDIA, September 30, 2008: The selection of the new Melsanthi (head priest) at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple for the next one year is most likely to be made by a new five-member committee as per the recommendations of the Paripoornan Commission.
The Commission has maintained that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), comprising the Board president and members, should be kept away from the selection process. It has recommended constitution of a new selection committee with a view to ensuring free and fair selection.
The TDB has received 82 applications for the Sabarimala Melsanthi post, besides 48 applications for the post of Malikappuram Melsanthi. The new Melsanthis will assume charge on the first day in the Malayalam month of Vrischikom (November 16).