The Thanthris of Sabarimala

The Thanthris of Sabarimala

The Thanthris,who are traditionally in over-all charge of the Sabarimala temple belong to the family of Thazhmon Madom at Mundankavu,Chengannur in Kerala.According to tradition ,they were the Brahmin priests brought from Andhra Pradesh by the ancient sage Parasurama and they were appointed as the Thanthris of Sabarimala and a few other temples.A Thanthri is the Chief authority with discretionary power concerning the methods of the rites and the rituals to be performed according to the temple tradition.In Sabarimala temple such Poojas as the Udayasthamana Pooja,Padipooja and Ucha Pooja are performed by the Thanthri.The Abhisheka,the libation of the Idol with sanctified water,after opening the Sanctum Sanctorum in the morning,is also performed by the Thanthri.He is also in charge of all the special rites.The morning pooja called Usha Pooja and the evening Athazha Pooja are performed by the Melsanthi,the Chief Priest.Thanthris post is inherited, while the melsanthi is selected every year.