ThantriorTantri is the Vedic head priest of Hindu temples in Kerala and a very few temples of coastal Karnataka in southern India. It is a position held hereditary. It is the thantri who installs the idol of the deity, and from that moment he assumes the position of the guru of the deity. The thantri has the final word on the rites and rituals of the temple.
Thantris Shrauta are Namboothiri Brahmins who have studied the ancient tantras, and Poorva Mimamsa -- (the earliest part of the Vedas), unlike other Brahmins in India who are Smarta and follow Vedanta (latter parts of the Vedas).
Thantris have the sole right[citation needed][1] to conduct certain core rituals in temples of Kerala and Tulunadu. In temples like Sabarimala, the presence of thantri is needed every day.
The daily rituals in Kerala temples are traditionally performed by Namboothiris, and often by Embranthiri migrants from the neighbouring Karnataka, but not by Tamil Braahmanans. Even among Namboothiris, only certain designated families deserve [citation needed] to become "Thanthris". Thanthris have to perform the incredible task of transferring ("Aavaahanam") the aura ("Chaithanyam") of God and energizing the idol. The techniques employed are described in the "Aagamams" [citation needed].
The first step of a "Yajamaanan" (a person who has prepared himself mentally and financially) to build a temple, is to seek and accept ("Varikkal") an "Aacharyan" (Guru, Thanthri). "Thanthra Samuchayam" (Granthham) identifies an ideal Aachaaryan as one who "is born [citation needed] into a high class Braahmanan family, has performed all the "Shodasakriyas" (click: "Shodasakriyakal") from "Garbhaadhaanam" to "Agnyaadhaanam", has understood the concepts contained in the Vedams and Aagamams (Braahmacharyam, Gaarhasthhyam, Vaanaprasthham and Samnyaasam), has received blessings and Manthram advice from Gurus and elders, is an expert in performing rites and rituals (Karmams), is capable of receiving spiritual powers through meditation and penance ("Thapas"), and is a believer (in God, of course). Future Aachaaryans of the temple must be descendants of this Guru or Thanthri
During the evolution and development of Thaanthric philosophy, two kinds of Aachaaryans emerged - the Theoreticians and the Practitioners. While the former developed concepts and prescribed procedures, the latter perfected their performance through strict discipline, leading to the attainment of the expected results. Ancient Thanthris were adept in both aspects.
Granthhams on Thamthram (Treatises)
There have been numerous Granthhams, many of which might have been lost, while most of the surviving ones may be lying unseen and unread in some archive or library. Even the most intelligent scholar cannot, during his entire lifetime¸ learn fully nor even read all the Granthhams on the Thanthram.
The treatises may be divided into three categories - Aagamams (Saivam), Samhithas (Vaishnavam) and Thanthrams (Saaktheyam). Aagamams include Nigamam versions too. The former are Sivan's advice to Parvathy, while Nigamams are spoken by Parvathy to Sivan. Other classifications are regional, like Vishnukraanthaa, Rathhakraanthaa and Aswaakraanthaa, and also like Yaamalams and Daamarams. Usually, all branches of knowledge are dealt with in Thanthra Granthhams.
Even treatises written by Keraleeyans are numerous. The most popular among them is the "Thanthra Samuchayam" by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiripad, who was one among the 18 ½ poets (click for "Pathinettara Kavikal") of the Saamoothiri's court. He consolidated and systematized the scattered literature which had then made its learning and practice quite cumbersome. Written in simple style and understandable by the common man, it covers topics like building of temples, consecration of idols, Kalasams, Uthsavams and Praayaschithams.
There have been several commentaries (Vyaakhyaanams) on it, both in Sanskrit and in Malayalam. The treatise describes rituals related to seven gods, Sivan, Vishnu, Durga, Saasthaavu, Subrahmanian, Ganapathy and Sankaranarayanan The Aagamams of these gods have been condensed, as expressed by the author himself, when he stated "Swaagama-saara-samgrahaal".
Two known commentaries in Sanskrit are "Vimarsini" and "Vivaranam". Later, there have been several translations into Malayalam, of which "Kuzhikkaattu Pacha" by Kuzhikkaattu Maheswaran Bhattathiripad (see box) is the most popular. Works such as "Thozhaanooranushtthaanam" and "Parameswaraanushtthaanam" deal with the same topics, also from Kerala.
Northern Kerala
Irival Illam is the house name of a family of Brahmins from Northern Kerala . Members of this family are formally called as
"Vazhunnavar". This family is gifted with the rights to practice Tanthram or Tantra.The family adorn the Thantrik rights and administration of hundreds of temples in Kerala's North Malabar region. The Illam is located at Irival reachable from Kanhangad.
Eminent Personalities
Brahmasree Irival Keshvan Vazhunnavar (Late)
[2]
Brahmsree Irival Keshavan Vazhunnavar
Brahmasree Irival Padmanabhan Vazhunnavar
Brahmasree Irival Krishnadas Vazhunnavar
Thantram at:
Irival Mahavishnu Temple
Kundamkuzhi Panchalingeshwara Temple
Adukkath Bhagavathy Temple
Udayapuram Durga Bhagavathy Temple
Kodoth Bhagavathy Temple
Gurupuram Mahavishnu Temple
Belur Shiva Temple
Aricheppu Mahavishnu Temple
Velakkunnu Shiva Temple
Bandadukka Sree Subramanyaswami Temple
Kallyot Sree Durga Bhagavathy Temple
Modagraamam Sree Dharmasastha Temple
Vazhakkode Sree Subramanyaswami Temple
Bathur Sree Bhagavathy Temple
Meengoth Sree Shiva Temple
Palkulam Sree Bhagavathy Temple
Sree Vishnumangalam Mahavishnu Temple
Mulavannur Sree Bhagavathy Temple and more ...
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Eminent Personalities
Uliyath Raman Vazhunnavar (Late)
Thantram at:
Madhur Ganapathy Temple
Eminent Personalities
Brahmasree Edavalathu Pudayoor Kuberan Namboothiri
Thantram at:
Taliparambu Sree Rajarajeshwara Temple
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Eminent Personalities
Thantram at:
Trichambaram Sreekrishnaswamy Temple
Kaatumadam Mana, the residence of an aristocratic Brahmin family in the state of Kerala. The majestic mansion is situated in the Irimbiliyam Village at Valanchery in the
Malappuram District. According to mythology, the Kattumadam mana is one of the family still perform tantric rituals and a large number of people visit the place
seeking to resolve their sins.
Main Deities: Vishnumaya, Chathan Swami, Durga Bhagavathi, Nagaraja etc.
Kattumadam Mana, the 500-year-old mansion of the Kattumadam family, is imposing and leaves an eerie feeling. It stands isolated, a few kilometres away from the Navamukunda temple Temple Thirur in central Kerala. According to folklore, the Kattumadam family is one of five families authorised by Lord Parasurama to perform tantric rituals including initiation rites for new idols, and witchcraft.The family is believed to have relocated from Malabar to central Kerala after the British arrived in Malabar.
Eminent Personalities
Brahmasree Kattumadam Narayanan Namboothiri
Brahmasree Kattumadam Easanan Namboothiri
Thantram at:
Kadalayi Sreekrishnaswami Temple
Cherukunnu Annapoorneshwari Temple
Sree Mookambika Temple, Pallikkunnu
Kanathur Mahavishnu Temple
Madayikkavu
Kalakat Illam (also pronounced as Kalakattu Illam) is the house name of a family of Brahmins in northern Kerala. Members of this family of Brahmins allegedly have powers of Manthravaadam and Thanthram, or Tantra. The term Tantra here, refers to the method of practices carried over based on certain beliefs on divine energy and its link to the human microcosm. The Tantriks (one who practices tantra) or the Tantri of Kalakat Illam practice only the Dakshina Maarg of the centuries old Tantra Shastra in their rich cultural traditions (Shastra means a science which gives teaching, instruction, or command). Apart from performing Manthravaadam they are also Tantriks of various temples in Northern Malabar. They hold the Thantrik rights of temples like Devaprathishta, Kalasham, Sreebhoothabali, other important rituals and poojas in a Hindu Temple. The Tantriks are accorded as guardian (pitru sthaanam) of the deity. Kalakat Illam is situated at Purakkunnu Panchayat in Kannur District reachable from Payyannur in Purakkunnu Bus.
History
According to the legendary Keralolpathi, Parasurama sanctioned festivals like Kaliyattam, Puravela and Daivattam or Theyyattam to the people of the North Malabar region. "There can be no doubt", say Bridget and Raymond Alchin, "that a very large part of this modern folk religion is extremely ancient and contains traits which originated ruing the earliest periods of Neolithic, Chalcolithic settlement and expression"[1] and, indeed, Theyyam is representative of a form of Hinduism (albeit non-Brahminical) which co-existed with the Sattvic rituals practised by Nambudiri Brahmins like the Kalakat Illam in temples. Theyyam is an art form of the Dravidians. There are six known generations of Kalakat Illam. In the chapter Manthrika Nayanam, of the book Kerala Mahatmyam, it is said that the Namboothiri of Kalakat Illam was brought from Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu by Parashurama. It is reported to be one of the seven Illams created by Parasurama, members of whom are delegated to perform the divine rituals in temples and exorcism. They have the power of healing the mental and physical ailments through the power of mantras and poojas. People from various parts of the world go there for their prayers and well conduct in their lives. The deity, Bhagavathy or kali worshipped by people as divine mother, is said to be very powerful and can bring goodness to all the people who worships. Hence it can be lined that Namboothiris of this illam are the mediators between the god and common people. The tantrik practices are made based on a science which was scripted on thaali-ola or palm leaves by the ancestors of this Illam. Many of the ancient, scripted leaves are still preserved at Kalakat Illam. The old stories say that during the period of one of the great grand fathers of the illam, other Brahmin's robbed many scriptures. There are certain rituals performed in temples that are common to all the Tantrik families and the priests of temples. There was an age, when the members of the illam used to practice Ayurveda and treat illness with potions, ghee, honey, Tulsi, Vibhoodhi and other medicines made of natural sources. The treatment for epilepsy is very effective at the illam and patients still approach the namboothiris of the illam. The manuscript on palm leaves which gives the make of these medicines are also kept safe at Illam. Once a pious Kalakat Namboothiri while returning from Kottiyur temple after prayers, stopped at dusk for Sandhyavandanam at Manathana temple. While bathing in the nearby brook, he noticed a lady bathing in the adjacent bay. The lady offered thaali and said would help him apply Thaali on Namboothiri's head. But, out of his intuition and elevated self he could soon realise it was no other than Bhadrakali herself. When she offered the Thaali (herbal shampoo), but knowing that showing his head will be his end, told her that anything the divine Mother gives is "Amruthu" (nectar) for him, drank the Thaali. Kaali, being quite satisfied by the devotion, blessed and gave him a spear, a "Vaalkannaadi" (a mirror with a handle) and a crown ("Kireetam"). He consecrated the spear at Neeliyaar-kottam near Mangattuparamba of Kannur district, the Vaalkannaadi at Pulikkal-Raayara-mangalam, where tigers and cows graze together, and the crown in his own Illam. This crown is worshipped in the sanctum sanctorum of the Illam.[2] This Illam was originally at Naarkkalam, 7 kilometers north of Kanhangad, later moved to Chandrol (Chandranelloor) in Peringome village, and later moved to Perinthatta (Purakkunnu), about 20 km east of Payyannur, its present location.
Brahmasree Kalakat Sreedharan Namboothiri (Late)
Brahmasree Kalakat Narayanan Namboothiri
Brahmasree Kalakat Madhusoodhanan Namboothiri
Sandeep Namboodirippadu
Thantram at:
Thuluvannur Temple
Chandranellur Temple
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Chennas Illam
Nedumbilly Tharananelloor
Thekkiniyedath Tharananelloor
Kidangassery Tharananelloor
Animangalam
Vezhapparambu Mana
Pambummekkat Mana
Mullappalli Mana
Kalloor Mana
Kavanad Mana
Kakkad Illam
Kunnathoor Padinjaredath
Kainikkara
Eekkat Mana
Puliyannoor Mana
Andalaadi Mana
Panavoor Mana
Kaimukku Mana
Kariyannoor Mana
Anamparambu Mana
Parapookkara Mana
Azhakam
Vanchiyoor Athiyara Madhom
Kalpuzha Illam
Thazmon Madam
Suryakaladi Mana
Kuzhikkat Illam
Kadiyakkol Mana
Puthumana
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