Vasai: Temples play a significant role in preserving Hindu Dharma, religious customs and traditional practices, said Brahmashri Subramanian Sankaran Namboothiri, the newly appointed Melsanthi (Chief Priest) of Sabarimala. He was speaking while responding to a felicitation organised in his honour at the Sabarigiri Ayyappa Temple in Vasai.
He observed that at a time when Sanatana Dharma and Hindu beliefs are facing challenges from various quarters, the existence of temples is essential to bringing the Hindu community together and preserving its religious and cultural heritage.
He expressed that being given the opportunity to perform poojas at Sabarimala was possible through the blessings of his gurus and Pazhavangadi Ganapathy. Describing Sabarimala as a unique temple where the devotee himself becomes one with the divine, he highlighted the spiritual significance of the Upanishadic phrase “Tat Tvam Asi” (That Thou Art), which finds its true meaning at Sabarimala. He also respectfully remembered everyone who had contributed to establishing the Ayyappa temple in Vasai.
The newly appointed Melsanthi was welcomed upon his arrival in Vasai by Sabarigiri Ayyappa Temple Melsanthi Vishwanathan Namboothiri, who presented him with a Tulsi garland. Suma Pothuval and Padma Divakarakurup performed the traditional Aarathi. He was then ceremoniously escorted to the temple amid a grand procession featuring Thalappoli by hundreds of women and traditional percussion performances.
The felicitation ceremony was presided over by temple president T. S. R. Nair. General Secretary A. K. Prabhakaran, Vice President Dinesh Nair and Guruswami M. S. Nair, among others, attended the function.
In his welcome address, A. K. Prabhakaran mentioned that the newly appointed Melsanthi’s first visit to Maharashtra and Vasai was made possible through the efforts of Uttam Kumar. Uttam Kumar introduced the Melsanthi to the gathering, describing his visit as a fortunate occasion for Vasai residents. He also noted that this was the first time the newly appointed priest, who is preparing to undertake the Sabarimala pilgrimage, had visited Maharashtra.
Representatives of various organisations felicitated the newly appointed Melsanthi by presenting him with shawls. Those who participated included T. S. R. Nair, A. K. Prabhakaran and Guruswami M. S. Nair on behalf of the Ayyappa Seva Samithi; Prabha P. Nair and Balakrishnan representing the Nair Welfare Association; Vinod Kumar representing the Vishwakarma Samaj; and Sreekumar Nair, President of the Nalla Sopara Cheru Sabarimala Temple.
Dinesh Nair delivered the vote of thanks.
Earlier, the newly appointed Melsanthi was received at the airport by former Kendriya Nair Samskarika Sangh President K. G. K. Kurup, K. B. Uttam Kumar, Vijay Shetty, Mumbai Secretary of the BJP South Indian Cell, and Sreekumar G. Nair.
He was accompanied on the visit by his mother, Valsala Antharjanam, and his brother, Praveen Kumar Namboothiri.
The visit and felicitation marked a significant occasion for the Ayyappa devotees and Malayali community in Vasai.