KOCHI: For Gopalan Empranthiri and Manikantan Empranthiri it is another term as Purappada Shanti at Sree Poornathrayeesha Temple.
The duo assumed the posts of the main priest and assistant priest on Wednesday morning after performing the traditional rituals at the temple. The temple thanthri and trustee Vasudevan Valiya Moothathu, Avarodham Bhattathiri and others participated in the unique ritual held to transfer the priesthood to Gopalan Embranthiri and Manikantan Embranthiri.
“We consider the priesthood a temporary renunciation from the materialistic world,” said Manikantan Empranthiri, for whom its his sixth term as assistant priest at Poornathrayeesha Temple. It’s a rare recognition that requires great dedication for which the priests are well prepared.
The system isolates both the Melshanthi (main priest)) and the Keezhshanthi (assistant priest) from the external world till the end of the six-month term.
From time immemorial, priests of this temple have been practising the Purappada Shanthi. As per the system the priests should remain in the temple precincts till the end of their term.
Special arrangements are provided for them in the temple. Both the priests follow certain customs when they come out of the Nalambalam.
The main priest holds a traditional umbrella, made of palm leaf and the assistant priest a Kuthuvilakku (specially designed bell metal lamp) when they leave the Nalambalam, for a bath or other basic needs.
In case of any birth or death at the homes of the priests they remain in a special cabin near Sree Venkiteswara Mandiram, outside the temple precincts for twelve days. During these days the temple Othikkan will discharge their duties.
“I started as priest of Sree Poornathrayeesha Temple in 1992 and many a time I rejoined as the main priest after serving several temples including Chottanikkara Devi Temple, Valanjambalam Devi Temple and Chakkamkulangara Siva Temple,” said Gopalan Embranthiri.
For the priests serving God as Purappada Shanthi is like meditating for a long term, leaving behind all other earthly connections.
Earlier the term meant for priesthood was one year but later it was reduced to six months to provide a chance for more applicants to serve the deity in this unique tradition. Only selected temples under Cochin and Travancore Devaswam Board, like Poornathrayeesha Temple and Sabarimala Dharma Sastha Temple, demand this type of priesthood.