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Acharyan · Spiritual Authority
The Tantri
Guardian of ritual, lineage, and sacred knowledge
Photograph to be added
by the temple committee
Brahmashree Akkiraman
Kalidasan Bhattathirippad
Tantri, Shree Ayyappa Temple, Jaipur
IllomKuzhikkattillom
Lineage1 of 12 Tantric Families
Temples Served1000+
AuthorityManthras & Thanthras
A Living Tradition
Custodian of the Kuzhikkattillom Tantric Lineage
Kuzhikkattillom has been traditionally dealing with tantric activities at over 600 temples in Kerala. As of now, under the current Tantri, Brahmashree Akkiraman Kalidasan Bhattathirippad, that number has risen to over 1,000 temples — a continuing testament to the illom’s enduring spiritual authority.
According to Parashurama Kalpatham, Kuzhikkattillom is counted among the primary illoms, and it is also mentioned in Thanthrashasthram as one of the twelve ancient tantric families of Kerala. Kuzhikkattillom holds the authority of practicing both Manthras and Thanthras — a rare and complete command over the two pillars of temple ritual tradition.
“The current head of Kuzhikkattillom sees the continuance and growth of this sacred responsibility as a blessing of the ancestors.”
Right from the reign of the King of Irackal Kovilakam, the illom has performed tantric rituals at fourteen temples, including the historic Nadaykavu. Among the significant tantric temples under Kuzhikkattillom are Thiruvaranmula Thrikkurutti Mahadeva Temple, Thiruvazhappalli Mahadeva Temple, and Sreevallabha Temple — each served through a range of sustained ritual activities.
1000+
Temples Served
12
Ancient Tantric Families
14
Temples Under Irackal Kovilakam
A school once functioned opposite the illom, today known as Kavumbhagam Devaswam Board School — and the illom itself has long been recognised for its knowledge. Kuzhikkattillom’s expertise extends well beyond ritual alone, encompassing Vaidyam (traditional medicine), Jyothisham (astrology), Manthras, and Thanthras. It continues to maintain a foothold in each of these domains to this day.
Significant Temples Under Kuzhikkattillom
Thiruvaranmula Thrikkurutti Mahadeva TempleThiruvazhappalli Mahadeva TempleSreevallabha TempleNadaykavuShree Ayyappa Temple, Jaipur
It is under the guidance of Brahmashree Akkiraman Kalidasan Bhattathirippad that Shree Ayyappa Temple, Jaipur continues its sacred traditions — presiding over the Thiru-Utsavam celebrations each January and overseeing the temple’s ritual life with the same authority carried by Kuzhikkattillom across generations.
To learn more about temple rituals, festivals, and the Tantri’s guidance during the annual Thiru-Utsavam, reach out to the temple committee.Contact the TempleView Festival Calendar