An Ayurvedic doctor, YouTuber, vlogger, and singer are some of the attributes of the new melshanti of the Sri Krishna temple
An Ayurvedic doctor, YouTuber, vlogger, and singer are some of the attributes of the new melshanti of the Sri Krishna temple
An Ayurvedic doctor, who is also a Youtuber, vlogger, and singer is going to be the next head priest or ‘melshanti’ of Kerala’s famous Sri Krishna temple in Guruvayur here.
Thirty four-year-old Kiran Anand Kakkad, hailing from a long line of priests who was practicing Ayurvedic medicine in a Russian Ayurveda clinic in Moscow for six years, was selected as the next head priest of the temple last week by a draw of lots.
He will assume charge from next month onwards for a period of six months after which a new ‘melshanti’ would replace him.
“It is by God’s grace, His blessings, that I have had this fortune,” he told PTI.
However, before he could even apply for the position he had to first undergo several pariharas and pujas “to nullify the bad or evil effects on our body while we are abroad”, he said.
According to customs, those going to foreign lands are not permitted to be part of the temple rituals or activities in the belief that their bodies would have suffered some evil effects since it would be difficult to perform nityakarma (daily rituals) while abroad, he said.
On being asked why he left a successful six-year-long career in Russia, Anand said that it was as per his father’s wishes.
“I come from a long line of priests. My father is a priest too. We are one of the four othikkan families in Guruvayur temple. So as my father was getting old, he asked me to return, to take over the othikkan duties,” he said.
Othikkans are a category of priests who perform daily rituals, like abhisheka or pantheeradi puja, in the temple.
Besides taking over from his father, he also has plans to open an Ayurvedic clinic.
With him being appointed as melshanti, his clinic plans have been shelved for now as during his six month long tenure, he will have to stay in the temple.
“I cannot even go home,” he said and added that after the new melshanti takes over, he can go back to his daily routines and Ayurvedic practice.
“Once the six months are over, I will be a othikkan again. I can go about my daily routines, go home, run my clinic and perform the daily rituals and pujas,” Dr. Anand said.
Dr. Anand, who was taught the various prayers, rituals and Vedas from a very young age, is also trained in Carnatic music and the mridangam– a percussion instrument. “I received training in music from four gurus,” he said.
On why he opted for Ayurvedic medicine, he has an interesting story to tell.
“I think it is my destiny. My parents underwent a specific Ayurvedic treatment regime called Pumsavana for having a male child. My maternal uncle had knowledge of medicines and treatment that could make that happen. As I was born subsequent to such an Ayurvedic treatment, I wanted to make it my profession,” he said.
At the same time, he did not give up on his passion for music and incorporated it too into his profession. Therefore, besides being a panchkarma specialist, he is also a music therapist.
Apart from music therapy, he has sung in music albums, cover songs and also manages a YouTube channel along with his wife, also an Ayurvedic doctor.
On his YouTube channel, you can find songs sung by the couple, their travel video logs, their experiences in Russia, and health-related tips.
