New Melshanthis Selected for Sabarimala and Malikappuram Temples
Two priests, Subrahmanyan Sankaran Namboothiri and A. Damodaran Namboothiri, were selected through a draw of lots by the Travancore Devaswom Board to serve as the melshanthis (chief priests) of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple and Malikappuram Devi temple, respectively. Both will assume their roles for one year starting mid-November, ahead of the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. The selection process involved shortlisted candidates, and both priests expressed gratitude and readiness to serve.
First-hand measurement across 2 sources
We measured how 2 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is neutral (51/100). Lens Score 34/100.
Outlets measured: thehindu, news18. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (50–52/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
news18 broke this story on 18 Oct, 04:30 am. Other outlets followed.
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