Times are changing and reflecting that is the newly-appointed melsanthi or the chief priest of Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala, Kakkad Kiran Anand Namboodiri.

What makes Anand different from others is the fact that he is an Ayurveda doctor, musician, blogger and music therapist who is well-versed in the Vedas. He manages a YouTube channel along with his wife Manasi Mundayakkad.

Talking about his new role, he told the media: “I belong to Kakkad Mana, one of the four Othikkan families of Guruvayur temple and used to take part in major rituals of the temple with my father. I will perform my duties as melsanthi with utmost devotion. The new responsibility will take me one step closer to the Lord.”

Anand who got his degree in ayurveda from Coimbatore Ayurveda Pharmacy College, practised as a doctor in Moscow for the past six years, was selected as the chief priest on Saturday through a draw of lots. Of the 42 people, 39 were short-listed for this position after being interviewed by the temple thanthri, the hereditary head of the institution.

He will assume charge on September 30 night and will be the head priest for six months from October 1.

The husband-wife team’s YouTube channel is about Health, Art, Tech and Travel and has videos of their travels in Russia and neighbouring countries. Interestingly it has 179 videos and 18,900 subscribers. They also posted videos on music.

Following the end of his term as melsanthi he plans to open an ayurveda clinic in Guruvayur.