Belthangady native appointed as chief priest of Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Kerala

Mangaluru: Satyanarayana Thodtillaya (45), a native of Kokkada village in Belthangady taluk, has been appointed as the chief priest (Periya Nambi) of Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. 

Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is widely known as one of the richest temples in the country. 

Thodtillaya of the Akkare Sabha lineage (the position of the temple’s chief priest alternates between two traditional lineages: Akkare and Ikkare Sabhas) joined the temple as a priest about six months ago. Many priests from Kokkada have served as the chief priest of the temple. 

Thodtillaya is the son of late Subraya Thodtillaya and the youngest chief priest appointed to conduct the major rituals and festivals at the temple. 

As part of the tradition, he received a ceremonial umbrella (Chhatri) from the temple administration. 

Thodtillaya will stay at Vadakkenmmbima Mutt on the west side and perform temple puja.

When contacted, he said, “Our faith in God should always be strong. I firmly believe that this opportunity to serve the Lord is due to the positive actions in my previous life. I am also indebted to the Thiruvankur Maharaj family.”

“I also urge the devotees from Karnataka to visit and obtain the blessings of Lord Anantha Padmanabha Swamy. I will also pray for the prosperity of all in Karnataka,” he added.