Author: M C K Raja

Design: K C Meera

The Thanthris

The Thanthris in a Kerala temple are authorised to not only conduct the pujas at the temple but also decide how the rituals should be conducted. They can decide which are the offerings which the Deities will accept. Normally the temple accepts all offerings required to conduct the daily pujas at the temple, like flowers, garlands, nivedyam, oil for lighting the lamps, items required for decorating the Deity like a crown, ornaments, dress and the items required for bathing the idols etc.
Some families of devotees offered to collect flowers and garlands for the temple daily. With the approvals of the Thanthris, they have been doing it regularly and also taking on the responsibility for cleaning the suburbs. Some others offered to beat the drums during pujas and began carrying out this duty with devotion. The Thanthris appointed the pujaris at the temple and instucted them as to how to conduct the pujas. The Rajas of the place very seldom interfered in the works of the Thanthris. Since the Thanthris were god-fearing, they carried out their responsibilities with the fullest dedication. In those days, the Namboodiris of Kerala were well versed in the Vedas and knew the rituals of conducting the pujas. The rituals were different for different dieties like Shiva, Krishna, Durga etc.
Some people say that in the olden days Pujas were conducted by non-Brahmins also. It is said that a caste called "Kurup" used to do the Bhadrakali Puja at temples. The Kurup's method of puja was to draw a fine figure of Bhadrakali (called kalam) on the floor using coloured organic powders (made of powdered rice, green leaves, etc). He would then sing the glories of Bhadrakali (or the particular Devi of the temple). After the puja, the Kurup would erase the kalam with the proper rituals.
Recently "Mata" Amritanandamayi has organised pujas in certain temples by her lady disciples. It can be said that women are perhaps more suitable to do proper puja, provided they are properly trained for the rituals, since they are already show devotion to their husbands and children throughout their life. This may also save many temples, which are now deserted due to the high cost of engaging Brahmins. In the present consumerist society, it is not surprising that the Brahmins are interested only in the rich temples (which again are rich because of the belief of people that by giving something to the gods, they will have their wishes fulfilled).