P N Narayanan Namboothiri of Thrikkariyoor in Kothamangalam, the new Sabarimala Melsanthi, was third time lucky in the draw of lots. “I had expected this. It’s all blessings of Lord Ayyappa. Last two times, I had figured in the selected list. This time, Ayyappa made it possible,” Narayanan Namboothiri said.
Currently with Ayyappa temple Perumbavoor, Narayanan Namboothiri of Panangattumpalli Mana said he was happy to become Sabarimala melsanthi while working at an Ayyappa temple. “Since June this year, I’m here at Perumbavoor temple. Prior to that, at Keezhillam for three years and earlier at Athirappilly Ganapathy temple,” he said.
Narayanan Namboothiri, who lost his father at a young age, grew up under the guidance of his uncle Iswaran Namboodiri.
He had his tantric education in Gurukula system for six years under Vezhaparambu Parameswaran Namboothirippad in Paravoor.
“I have been into pooja and tantric duties for over 20 years, earlier with Attukal Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, and the famous Siddha Puthur Ayyappa Temple, Coimbatore,” he said. He and his wife, Sree Usha, have two children- Sreedathan, a Class-10 student, and Parvathy, a Class-6 student.