Thazhamon Madom

At Sabarimala, the Tantri (chief priest) plays a crucial role in making important decisions about the temple rituals. The Sabarimala Tantris belong to the Chengannur Thazhamon Madom. It is believed that the Pandalam royal family invited Thazhamon Brahmins from Andhra Pradesh to perform tantric poojas for Lord Ayyappa. Thazhamon is considered one of the earliest tantric families in Kerala, along with the Tarananallur family.

The headquarters of Thazhamon Madom is located at Mundankavu near Chengannur in the Alappuzha district. The Thazhamon family oversees several temples, including the Chengannur Mahadeva Temple and the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. The Panchaloha (five-metal alloy) idol of Dharmashasta at Sabarimala was crafted and installed by Kandararu Shankararu of the Thazhamon Madom on June 4, 1951. "Kandararu" is a traditional title used before the names of Thazhamon Tantris, a name believed to have been given by the sage Parasurama.

Kandararu Prabhakararu installed the idol that was destroyed by fire before 1951. As per tradition, at Sabarimala, the Thazhamon Tantri must be present for the opening of the temple and all significant ceremonies. During the daily poojas, the Melshanti (Head Priest) performs the rituals, including Padipooja, Udayastamaya Pooja, and Kalasha Poojas, under the guidance of the Tantri.

The Thazhamon Madom continues to uphold the ancient traditions and rituals at Sabarimala, ensuring that the spiritual sanctity and heritage of the temple are preserved for generations to come.