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Home > Temples of Kerala > Mel-saanthi Mel-saanthiMel-saanthi is responsible for the conduct of daily poojas (nithya-nidaana) apart from helping the Thanthri if required, in special rites. Therefore, he should have thorough knowledge on the various aspects of the pooja system like daily poojas, navakam, pancha-gavya, abhisheka-manthras and procedure for Sree-bali for each deity besides having preliminary knowledge about the personal purificatory observances of priest described in the earlier chapter like deha-suddhi, sankha-poorana, praanayaama etc. He should also be quite familiar with the mudras to be shown at various occasions of pooja which can be done only with practice. Another quality which the Mel-saanthi must posess is the knowledge about the intricacies of suddhi and aSuddhi (pollution) which have been briefly narrated in the earlier chapter. Further he has to lead a ritualistic life as the vitality of the deity is related to his knowledge, sincerity and dedication. The duties of Mel-saanthi can be summarized as shown below.
Though the above are the general guidelines, in each temple the duties vary depending on the status of the temple, number of employees etc apart from the requirements for special and expiatory rites. In ritualistic matters his responsibility and status are more than that of the Manager or Executive officer of the temple.
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