DAILY POOJAS AND RITUALS AT THE TEMPLE - TRADITION and NOW
TRADITION CONTINUES EVEN TODAY
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The temple is serviced by TEN categories of priests as introduced by RAMANUJA.
1.Tirupattiyar: Responsible for ministry of sanctuary.
2.Tirppani saivar: Bears of water - sprinkle water all along the way of Lord when He goes purappadu (procession around temple)
3.Nambis: Directly assigned for services of God. Wise and old among them initiate new students to Parameswara Samhita.
4.Ullurar: Preists born in Srirangam. They are responsible for guarding sacred vessels, garments, umbrellas of pearls, sword and other objects used in God's procession
5.Veenappan: Musicians & hymn singers playing VEENA experts in hymns and music
6.Tirukkaragak kaiyar: Brings water from Kaveri everyday at dawn for washing Lord's feet & other poojas on the back of the temple elephant
7.Stanatthar: Administrator of worship all concerning God, when God moves place to place. Carrying God to palaquin (pallaki), staying beside palaquin, holding the umbrella over Thirtham and fixing Garuda seal to the chest containing jewels.
8.Nambis: Some duties of Stanatthar is shared by Nambis over period of time.
9.Bhattar: Independant brahmans responsible for reciting sacred texts in daily poojas and on special occassions and received offerings.
10. Aryabhattal: They watch over the God and temple. Posted at north and south entries of third enclosure, they supervise all movements day and night. At night they sleep on verandas and in mornings open the gates to pilgrims (tirupattiyar)
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