Thantri - Revision history

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2026-02-26T09:17:31Z

refine page to improve readability and improved wording per sources

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:47, 26 February 2026
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	{{~~Multiple issues~~\|		{{Short description\|Vedic religious leader}}
	~~{{One source\|date=January 2016}}~~
	~~{{Cleanup\|reason=Citations not enough. Crafty words\|date=September 2017}}~~
	}}

	{{Use dmy dates\|date=July 2020}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=July 2020}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=July 2020}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=July 2020}}

	'''Thantri''' or '''Tantri''' is the Vedic head who ~~stand's in a top room in religion of Hindu. '''Thantri''' is person who set rule in temples, they are~~ the ~~authority~~ in ~~the~~ temples of [[Kerala]] and ~~temples~~ in coastal [[Karnataka]] in southern India. It is a position ~~held hereditarily~~ {{~~citation needed~~\|date=~~September 2017~~}}. ~~It is the~~ thantri ~~who~~ installs the [[murti]] of the deity called ''[[Prana Pratishtha\|prana pratishtha]]'', and from that moment he assumes the position of the guru of the deity{{~~citation needed~~\|date=~~September 2017~~}}~~. The thantri is the authority on the rites and rituals of the temple~~.		{{One source\|date=January 2016}}

			'''Thantri''' or '''Tantri''' is the Vedic head who sets the rules in temples of [[Kerala]] and in coastal [[Karnataka]] in southern India. It is a hereditary position<ref>{{cite news \|date=8 January 2019 \|title=Nobody can change the hereditary tantri, says Thazhamon Math \|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2019/01/08/nobody-change-hereditary-tantri-thazhamon-math.amp.html \|access-date=26 February 2026 \|work=Onmanorama}}</ref>. The thantri installs the ''[[murti]]'' of the deity called ''[[Prana Pratishtha\|prana pratishtha]]'', and from that moment he assumes the position of the guru of the deity<ref>{{cite web \|title=Thanthram \|url=http://namboothiri.com/articles/thanthram.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051215022624/http://namboothiri.com/articles/thanthram.htm \|archive-date=15 December 2005 \|access-date=26 February 2026 \|website=Namboothiri Websites Trust}}</ref>.

	Thantris are [[Shrauta]] [[Namboothiri]] [[Brahmin]]s who study tantras, and belong to [[Mimamsa\|''Poorva Mimamsa'']] one of the 6 schools of thought in Hindu philosophy. Poorva mimamsa deals with the early parts of the [[Veda]]s. Another famous school of philosophy is [[Vedanta]] also known as [[Uttara mimamsa\|Uttara Mimamsa]]~~, which means~~ essence of Vedas. One common misconception about Vedanta is ~~that writers think~~ that it mostly deals with the later parts of the Vedas. It is the essence ~~which~~ enlightens one in the end ~~is referred as Vedanta and~~ not the physical ending ~~parts~~.		Thantris are [[Shrauta]] [[Namboothiri]] [[Brahmin]]s who study ''[[Buddhist tantric literature\|tantras]]'', and belong to [[Mimamsa\|''Poorva Mimamsa'']], one of the 6 schools of thought in Hindu philosophy. Poorva mimamsa deals with the early parts of the [[Veda]]s. Another famous school of philosophy is [[Vedanta]] also known as [[Uttara mimamsa\|Uttara Mimamsa]] (essence of Vedas). One common misconception about Vedanta is that it mostly deals with the later parts of the Vedas. Vedanta is the essence that enlightens one in the end, not the physical ending.

	Thantris have the ~~sole~~ right~~{{Citation needed\|reason=Reliable source needed for the whole sentence\|date=November 2014}}~~<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/05/stories/0205000q.htm \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141112075128/http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/05/stories/0205000q.htm \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2014-11-12 \|title=Thantri is the final authority: study \|newspaper=[[The Hindu]] \|date=2000-11-05 \|accessdate=2016-01-20}}</ref> to conduct certain core rituals in temples of [[Kerala]] and [[Tulunadu]]. In temples like [[Sabarimala]], the presence of thantri is needed every day.		Thantris have the exclusive right<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/05/stories/0205000q.htm \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141112075128/http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/05/stories/0205000q.htm \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2014-11-12 \|title=Thantri is the final authority: study \|newspaper=[[The Hindu]] \|date=2000-11-05 \|accessdate=2016-01-20}}</ref> 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. Even among Namboothiris, only ~~certain~~ designated families {{Citation needed\|reason=Reliable source needed for the whole sentence\|date=November 2014}} ~~become thanthris~~. Thanthris have to perform the task of transferring (skt. ''Aavaahanam'') the aura (skt. ''Chaithanyam'') of deity and energizing the idol. The techniques employed are described in the [[Āgama (Hinduism)\|aagamas]] {{~~Citation needed~~\|~~reason~~=~~Reliable source needed for the whole sentence~~\|date=~~November 2014~~}}.		Daily rituals in Kerala temples are traditionally performed by [[Nambudiri\|Namboothiris]], and often by [[Embranthiri]] migrants from Karnataka. Even among Namboothiris, only designated families become thanthris{{Citation needed\|reason=Reliable source needed for the whole sentence\|date=November 2014}}. Thanthris have to perform the task of transferring (skt. ''Aavaahanam'') the aura (skt. ''Chaithanyam'') of the deity and energizing the idol. The techniques employed are described in the [[Āgama (Hinduism)\|''aagamas'']].<ref>{{cite web \|title=Thanthram \|url=http://www.namboothiri.com/articles/thanthram.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051215022624/http://namboothiri.com/articles/thanthram.htm \|archive-date=15 December 2005 \|access-date=26 February 2026 \|website=Namboothiri Websites Trust}}</ref>

	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~~'' (Thanthri). Sanskrit text "Thanthra Samuchayam" identifies an ideal aachaaryan as one who is born {{Citation needed\|reason=Questionable sentence; as Braahmanan does not become a brahmanan just because he belongs to a brahmin leneage\|date=November 2014}} into a [[Brahmin]] family, has performed all the ''Shodasakriyas'' from [[Sanskara (rite of passage)\|''Garbhaadhaanam'' to ''Agnyaadhaanam'']], has understood the concepts contained in the [[Veda]]s and [[Agama (Hinduism)\|Aagamas]] (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"). Future Aachaaryans of the temple must be descendants of this Guru or Thanthri.{{citation needed\|date=February 2021}}		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'' (Thanthri). Sanskrit text ''Thanthra Samuchayam'' identifies an ideal ''aachaaryan'' as one who is born {{Citation needed\|reason=Questionable sentence; as Braahmanan does not become a brahmanan just because he belongs to a brahmin leneage\|date=November 2014}} into a [[Brahmin]] family, has performed all the ''Shodasakriyas'' from [[Sanskara (rite of passage)\|''Garbhaadhaanam'' to ''Agnyaadhaanam'']], has understood the concepts contained in the [[Veda]]s and [[Agama (Hinduism)\|Aagamas]] (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). Future Aachaaryans of the temple must be descendants of this Guru or Thanthri.{{citation needed\|date=February 2021}}

	During the evolution and development of Thanthric philosophy, two kinds of aachaaryas 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.		During the evolution and development of Thanthric philosophy, two kinds of ''aachaaryas'' 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.

	== Scriptures on Thanthras ==		== Scriptures on Thanthras ==

	The treatises may be divided into three categories - ''[[Āgama (Hinduism)\|Aagamas]]'' ([[Shaivism]]), ''[[Samhita\|Samhithas]]'' ([[Vaishnavism]]) and ''[[~~Tantras~~\|Thanthrams]]'' ([[Shaktism\|Shakthism]]). ''Aagamas'' include ''Nigama'' versions ~~too~~. The former are [[Shiva\|Shiva's]] advice to [[Parvati\|Parvathy]], while Nigamas are spoken by Parvathy to ~~Siva~~. Other classifications are regional, ~~like~~ ''Vishnukraanthaa'', ''Rathhakraanthaa'' and ''Aswaakraanthaa'', and also ~~like~~ ''Yaamalams'' and ''Daamarams''.		The treatises may be divided into three categories: ''[[Āgama (Hinduism)\|Aagamas]]'' ([[Shaivism]]), ''[[Samhita\|Samhithas]]'' ([[Vaishnavism]]) and ''[[Tantra\|Thanthrams]]'' ([[Shaktism\|Shakthism]]). (''Aagamas'' include ''Nigama'' versions.) The former are [[Shiva\|Shiva's]] advice to [[Parvati\|Parvathy]], while Nigamas are spoken by Parvathy to Shiva. Other classifications are regional, such as ''Vishnukraanthaa'', ''Rathhakraanthaa'' and ''Aswaakraanthaa'', and also ''Yaamalams'' and ''Daamarams''.

	~~There are~~ treatises ~~written by Keraleeyans as well~~. The most popular ~~among them~~ is ~~the~~ ''Thanthra Samuchayam'' by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiripad, who was one among the [[Pathinettara Kavikal\|18 ½ poets]] of the [[Zamorin of Calicut\|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 [[murtis]], ''[[kalasam]]s'', ''[[Utsava\|uthsavams]]'' and ''[[Prāyaścitta\|praayaschithams]]''.		Keraleeyans have also written treatises. The most popular is ''Thanthra Samuchayam'' by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiripad, who was one among the [[Pathinettara Kavikal\|18 ½ poets]] of the [[Zamorin of Calicut\|Saamoothiri's]] court. He consolidated and systematized the scattered literature which had then complicated its learning and practice. Written in simple style and understandable by the common man, it covers topics such as building of temples, consecration of [[murtis]], ''[[kalasam]]s'', ''[[Utsava\|uthsavams]]'' and ''[[Prāyaścitta\|praayaschithams]]''.

	~~There have been several~~ commentaries (skt. [[Pravachan\|vyakhyanam]]) ~~on it,~~ both in Sanskrit and Malayalam. The treatise describes rituals related to seven deities, ~~Siva,~~ Vishnu, Durga, Saasthaavu, Subrahmanian, Ganapathy and Sankaranarayanan The aagamams of these deities have been condensed, as expressed by the author ~~himself~~, when he stated "Swaagama-saara-samgrahaal".		Several commentaries (''skt''. [[Pravachan\|''vyakhyanam'']]) were written both in [[Sanskrit]] and [[Malayalam]]. The treatise describes rituals related to seven deities: Shiva, [[Vishnu]], [[Durga]], Saasthaavu, Subrahmanian, [[Ganesha\|Ganapathy]], and Sankaranarayanan The ''aagamams'' of these deities have been condensed, as expressed by the author, 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 is the most popular. Works such as ''Thozhaanooranushtthaanam'' and ''Parameswaraanushtthaanam'' deal with the same topics, also from Kerala.		Two known commentaries in Sanskrit are ''Vimarsini'' and ''Vivaranam''. Later, several translations into Malayalam were completed, of which ''Kuzhikkaattu Pacha'' by Kuzhikkaattu Maheswaran Bhattathiripad is the most popular. Works such as ''Thozhaanooranushtthaanam'' and ''Parameswaraanushtthaanam'' deal with the same topics, also from Kerala.

	==References==		==References==

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2021-04-21T22:20:49Z

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{{Multiple issues|
{{One source|date=January 2016}}
{{Cleanup|reason=Citations not enough. Crafty words|date=September 2017}}
}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2020}}

'''Thantri''' or '''Tantri''' is the Vedic head who stand's in a top room in religion of Hindu. '''Thantri''' is person who set rule in temples, they are the authority in the temples of [[Kerala]] and temples in coastal [[Karnataka]] in southern India. It is a position held hereditarily {{citation needed|date=September 2017}}. It is the thantri who installs the [[murti]] of the deity called ''[[Prana Pratishtha|prana pratishtha]]'', and from that moment he assumes the position of the guru of the deity{{citation needed|date=September 2017}}. The thantri is the authority on the rites and rituals of the temple.

Thantris are [[Shrauta]] [[Namboothiri]] [[Brahmin]]s who study tantras, and belong to [[Mimamsa|''Poorva Mimamsa'']] one of the 6 schools of thought in Hindu philosophy. Poorva mimamsa deals with the early parts of the [[Veda]]s. Another famous school of philosophy is [[Vedanta]] also known as [[Uttara mimamsa|Uttara Mimamsa]], which means essence of Vedas. One common misconception about Vedanta is that writers think that it mostly deals with the later parts of the Vedas. It is the essence which enlightens one in the end is referred as Vedanta and not the physical ending parts.

Thantris have the sole right{{Citation needed|reason=Reliable source needed for the whole sentence|date=November 2014}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/05/stories/0205000q.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141112075128/http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/05/stories/0205000q.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-11-12 |title=Thantri is the final authority: study |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=2000-11-05 |accessdate=2016-01-20}}</ref> 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. Even among Namboothiris, only certain designated families {{Citation needed|reason=Reliable source needed for the whole sentence|date=November 2014}} become thanthris. Thanthris have to perform the task of transferring (skt. ''Aavaahanam'') the aura (skt. ''Chaithanyam'') of deity and energizing the idol. The techniques employed are described in the [[Āgama (Hinduism)|aagamas]] {{Citation needed|reason=Reliable source needed for the whole sentence|date=November 2014}}.

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'' (Thanthri). Sanskrit text "Thanthra Samuchayam" identifies an ideal aachaaryan as one who is born {{Citation needed|reason=Questionable sentence; as Braahmanan does not become a brahmanan just because he belongs to a brahmin leneage|date=November 2014}} into a [[Brahmin]] family, has performed all the ''Shodasakriyas'' from [[Sanskara (rite of passage)|''Garbhaadhaanam'' to ''Agnyaadhaanam'']], has understood the concepts contained in the [[Veda]]s and [[Agama (Hinduism)|Aagamas]] (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"). Future Aachaaryans of the temple must be descendants of this Guru or Thanthri.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

During the evolution and development of Thanthric philosophy, two kinds of aachaaryas 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.

== Scriptures on Thanthras ==

The treatises may be divided into three categories - ''[[Āgama (Hinduism)|Aagamas]]'' ([[Shaivism]]), ''[[Samhita|Samhithas]]'' ([[Vaishnavism]]) and ''[[Tantras|Thanthrams]]'' ([[Shaktism|Shakthism]]). ''Aagamas'' include ''Nigama'' versions too. The former are [[Shiva|Shiva's]] advice to [[Parvati|Parvathy]], while Nigamas are spoken by Parvathy to Siva. Other classifications are regional, like ''Vishnukraanthaa'', ''Rathhakraanthaa'' and ''Aswaakraanthaa'', and also like ''Yaamalams'' and ''Daamarams''.

There are treatises written by Keraleeyans as well. The most popular among them is the ''Thanthra Samuchayam'' by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiripad, who was one among the [[Pathinettara Kavikal|18 ½ poets]] of the [[Zamorin of Calicut|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 [[murtis]], ''[[kalasam]]s'', ''[[Utsava|uthsavams]]'' and ''[[Prāyaścitta|praayaschithams]]''.

There have been several commentaries (skt. [[Pravachan|vyakhyanam]]) on it, both in Sanskrit and Malayalam. The treatise describes rituals related to seven deities, Siva, Vishnu, Durga, Saasthaavu, Subrahmanian, Ganapathy and Sankaranarayanan The aagamams of these deities 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 is the most popular. Works such as ''Thozhaanooranushtthaanam'' and ''Parameswaraanushtthaanam'' deal with the same topics, also from Kerala.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.namboothiri.com Namboothiri.com]

[[Category:Hindu priests]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:47, 26 February 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{~~Multiple issues~~\|		{{Short description\|Vedic religious leader}}
	~~{{One source\|date=January 2016}}~~
	~~{{Cleanup\|reason=Citations not enough. Crafty words\|date=September 2017}}~~
	}}

	{{Use dmy dates\|date=July 2020}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=July 2020}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=July 2020}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=July 2020}}

	'''Thantri''' or '''Tantri''' is the Vedic head who ~~stand's in a top room in religion of Hindu. '''Thantri''' is person who set rule in temples, they are~~ the ~~authority~~ in ~~the~~ temples of [[Kerala]] and ~~temples~~ in coastal [[Karnataka]] in southern India. It is a position ~~held hereditarily~~ {{~~citation needed~~\|date=~~September 2017~~}}. ~~It is the~~ thantri ~~who~~ installs the [[murti]] of the deity called ''[[Prana Pratishtha\|prana pratishtha]]'', and from that moment he assumes the position of the guru of the deity{{~~citation needed~~\|date=~~September 2017~~}}~~. The thantri is the authority on the rites and rituals of the temple~~.		{{One source\|date=January 2016}}

			'''Thantri''' or '''Tantri''' is the Vedic head who sets the rules in temples of [[Kerala]] and in coastal [[Karnataka]] in southern India. It is a hereditary position<ref>{{cite news \|date=8 January 2019 \|title=Nobody can change the hereditary tantri, says Thazhamon Math \|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2019/01/08/nobody-change-hereditary-tantri-thazhamon-math.amp.html \|access-date=26 February 2026 \|work=Onmanorama}}</ref>. The thantri installs the ''[[murti]]'' of the deity called ''[[Prana Pratishtha\|prana pratishtha]]'', and from that moment he assumes the position of the guru of the deity<ref>{{cite web \|title=Thanthram \|url=http://namboothiri.com/articles/thanthram.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051215022624/http://namboothiri.com/articles/thanthram.htm \|archive-date=15 December 2005 \|access-date=26 February 2026 \|website=Namboothiri Websites Trust}}</ref>.

	Thantris are [[Shrauta]] [[Namboothiri]] [[Brahmin]]s who study tantras, and belong to [[Mimamsa\|''Poorva Mimamsa'']] one of the 6 schools of thought in Hindu philosophy. Poorva mimamsa deals with the early parts of the [[Veda]]s. Another famous school of philosophy is [[Vedanta]] also known as [[Uttara mimamsa\|Uttara Mimamsa]]~~, which means~~ essence of Vedas. One common misconception about Vedanta is ~~that writers think~~ that it mostly deals with the later parts of the Vedas. It is the essence ~~which~~ enlightens one in the end ~~is referred as Vedanta and~~ not the physical ending ~~parts~~.		Thantris are [[Shrauta]] [[Namboothiri]] [[Brahmin]]s who study ''[[Buddhist tantric literature\|tantras]]'', and belong to [[Mimamsa\|''Poorva Mimamsa'']], one of the 6 schools of thought in Hindu philosophy. Poorva mimamsa deals with the early parts of the [[Veda]]s. Another famous school of philosophy is [[Vedanta]] also known as [[Uttara mimamsa\|Uttara Mimamsa]] (essence of Vedas). One common misconception about Vedanta is that it mostly deals with the later parts of the Vedas. Vedanta is the essence that enlightens one in the end, not the physical ending.

	Thantris have the ~~sole~~ right~~{{Citation needed\|reason=Reliable source needed for the whole sentence\|date=November 2014}}~~<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/05/stories/0205000q.htm \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141112075128/http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/05/stories/0205000q.htm \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2014-11-12 \|title=Thantri is the final authority: study \|newspaper=[[The Hindu]] \|date=2000-11-05 \|accessdate=2016-01-20}}</ref> to conduct certain core rituals in temples of [[Kerala]] and [[Tulunadu]]. In temples like [[Sabarimala]], the presence of thantri is needed every day.		Thantris have the exclusive right<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/05/stories/0205000q.htm \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141112075128/http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/05/stories/0205000q.htm \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2014-11-12 \|title=Thantri is the final authority: study \|newspaper=[[The Hindu]] \|date=2000-11-05 \|accessdate=2016-01-20}}</ref> 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. Even among Namboothiris, only ~~certain~~ designated families {{Citation needed\|reason=Reliable source needed for the whole sentence\|date=November 2014}} ~~become thanthris~~. Thanthris have to perform the task of transferring (skt. ''Aavaahanam'') the aura (skt. ''Chaithanyam'') of deity and energizing the idol. The techniques employed are described in the [[Āgama (Hinduism)\|aagamas]] {{~~Citation needed~~\|~~reason~~=~~Reliable source needed for the whole sentence~~\|date=~~November 2014~~}}.		Daily rituals in Kerala temples are traditionally performed by [[Nambudiri\|Namboothiris]], and often by [[Embranthiri]] migrants from Karnataka. Even among Namboothiris, only designated families become thanthris{{Citation needed\|reason=Reliable source needed for the whole sentence\|date=November 2014}}. Thanthris have to perform the task of transferring (skt. ''Aavaahanam'') the aura (skt. ''Chaithanyam'') of the deity and energizing the idol. The techniques employed are described in the [[Āgama (Hinduism)\|''aagamas'']].<ref>{{cite web \|title=Thanthram \|url=http://www.namboothiri.com/articles/thanthram.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051215022624/http://namboothiri.com/articles/thanthram.htm \|archive-date=15 December 2005 \|access-date=26 February 2026 \|website=Namboothiri Websites Trust}}</ref>

	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~~'' (Thanthri). Sanskrit text "Thanthra Samuchayam" identifies an ideal aachaaryan as one who is born {{Citation needed\|reason=Questionable sentence; as Braahmanan does not become a brahmanan just because he belongs to a brahmin leneage\|date=November 2014}} into a [[Brahmin]] family, has performed all the ''Shodasakriyas'' from [[Sanskara (rite of passage)\|''Garbhaadhaanam'' to ''Agnyaadhaanam'']], has understood the concepts contained in the [[Veda]]s and [[Agama (Hinduism)\|Aagamas]] (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"). Future Aachaaryans of the temple must be descendants of this Guru or Thanthri.{{citation needed\|date=February 2021}}		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'' (Thanthri). Sanskrit text ''Thanthra Samuchayam'' identifies an ideal ''aachaaryan'' as one who is born {{Citation needed\|reason=Questionable sentence; as Braahmanan does not become a brahmanan just because he belongs to a brahmin leneage\|date=November 2014}} into a [[Brahmin]] family, has performed all the ''Shodasakriyas'' from [[Sanskara (rite of passage)\|''Garbhaadhaanam'' to ''Agnyaadhaanam'']], has understood the concepts contained in the [[Veda]]s and [[Agama (Hinduism)\|Aagamas]] (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). Future Aachaaryans of the temple must be descendants of this Guru or Thanthri.{{citation needed\|date=February 2021}}

	During the evolution and development of Thanthric philosophy, two kinds of aachaaryas 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.		During the evolution and development of Thanthric philosophy, two kinds of ''aachaaryas'' 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.

	== Scriptures on Thanthras ==		== Scriptures on Thanthras ==

	The treatises may be divided into three categories - ''[[Āgama (Hinduism)\|Aagamas]]'' ([[Shaivism]]), ''[[Samhita\|Samhithas]]'' ([[Vaishnavism]]) and ''[[~~Tantras~~\|Thanthrams]]'' ([[Shaktism\|Shakthism]]). ''Aagamas'' include ''Nigama'' versions ~~too~~. The former are [[Shiva\|Shiva's]] advice to [[Parvati\|Parvathy]], while Nigamas are spoken by Parvathy to ~~Siva~~. Other classifications are regional, ~~like~~ ''Vishnukraanthaa'', ''Rathhakraanthaa'' and ''Aswaakraanthaa'', and also ~~like~~ ''Yaamalams'' and ''Daamarams''.		The treatises may be divided into three categories: ''[[Āgama (Hinduism)\|Aagamas]]'' ([[Shaivism]]), ''[[Samhita\|Samhithas]]'' ([[Vaishnavism]]) and ''[[Tantra\|Thanthrams]]'' ([[Shaktism\|Shakthism]]). (''Aagamas'' include ''Nigama'' versions.) The former are [[Shiva\|Shiva's]] advice to [[Parvati\|Parvathy]], while Nigamas are spoken by Parvathy to Shiva. Other classifications are regional, such as ''Vishnukraanthaa'', ''Rathhakraanthaa'' and ''Aswaakraanthaa'', and also ''Yaamalams'' and ''Daamarams''.

	~~There are~~ treatises ~~written by Keraleeyans as well~~. The most popular ~~among them~~ is ~~the~~ ''Thanthra Samuchayam'' by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiripad, who was one among the [[Pathinettara Kavikal\|18 ½ poets]] of the [[Zamorin of Calicut\|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 [[murtis]], ''[[kalasam]]s'', ''[[Utsava\|uthsavams]]'' and ''[[Prāyaścitta\|praayaschithams]]''.		Keraleeyans have also written treatises. The most popular is ''Thanthra Samuchayam'' by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiripad, who was one among the [[Pathinettara Kavikal\|18 ½ poets]] of the [[Zamorin of Calicut\|Saamoothiri's]] court. He consolidated and systematized the scattered literature which had then complicated its learning and practice. Written in simple style and understandable by the common man, it covers topics such as building of temples, consecration of [[murtis]], ''[[kalasam]]s'', ''[[Utsava\|uthsavams]]'' and ''[[Prāyaścitta\|praayaschithams]]''.

	~~There have been several~~ commentaries (skt. [[Pravachan\|vyakhyanam]]) ~~on it,~~ both in Sanskrit and Malayalam. The treatise describes rituals related to seven deities, ~~Siva,~~ Vishnu, Durga, Saasthaavu, Subrahmanian, Ganapathy and Sankaranarayanan The aagamams of these deities have been condensed, as expressed by the author ~~himself~~, when he stated "Swaagama-saara-samgrahaal".		Several commentaries (''skt''. [[Pravachan\|''vyakhyanam'']]) were written both in [[Sanskrit]] and [[Malayalam]]. The treatise describes rituals related to seven deities: Shiva, [[Vishnu]], [[Durga]], Saasthaavu, Subrahmanian, [[Ganesha\|Ganapathy]], and Sankaranarayanan The ''aagamams'' of these deities have been condensed, as expressed by the author, 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 is the most popular. Works such as ''Thozhaanooranushtthaanam'' and ''Parameswaraanushtthaanam'' deal with the same topics, also from Kerala.		Two known commentaries in Sanskrit are ''Vimarsini'' and ''Vivaranam''. Later, several translations into Malayalam were completed, of which ''Kuzhikkaattu Pacha'' by Kuzhikkaattu Maheswaran Bhattathiripad is the most popular. Works such as ''Thozhaanooranushtthaanam'' and ''Parameswaraanushtthaanam'' deal with the same topics, also from Kerala.

	==References==		==References==